Nigerians to Pay for New National ID Card:
- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announces payment for new multipurpose national ID card.
- Decision due to limited government revenue.
- Payment ensures card is produced only for those who need it.
Card Features:
- Multipurpose ID card for identity verification, payments, and government services.
- Post-paid identity card, requiring individuals to need the card before requesting it.
Accessibility:
- Government programs to make card accessible to less privileged Nigerians.
- NIMC partnering with banks for easy card request and collection.
Nigerians will soon need to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The decision is largely due to limited government revenue.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, explained that the payment ensures the card is produced only for those who need it. This approach aims to avoid past mistakes where free physical cards were issued but left uncollected. In fact, over two million uncollected cards were produced in the previous attempt .
The new ID card is designed to be a post-paid identity card, meaning individuals must need the card before requesting it. To get the card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and collect their card from the chosen location.
The government has implemented programs to make the card accessible to less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality .
The multipurpose ID cards will launch soon, with sample test cards already received. NIMC is working with banks across the country to make it possible for people to request the card at any bank closest to them ¹.
Key features of the new national ID card include:
- Identity Verification: The card can serve as a means of identity verification.
- Payments: The card can be used for payments.
- Government Services: The card can be used to access government services.
- Multi-Wallet Support: The card supports multiple wallets for various government programs.
- Offline Capability: The card can function offline, allowing transactions to be carried out in areas with limited network coverage ¹.
