- Government Cites Limited Revenue, Plans Subsidies for Less Privileged Citizens
- New ID Card to Offer Identity Verification, Payment Functions, and More
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will need to pay for the newly introduced multipurpose national identity cards due to limited government revenue.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, revealed this at a two-day media roundtable in Lagos, stating that the move ensures cards are produced only for individuals who genuinely require them.
“This decision stems from past experiences where over two million free National ID cards were produced, yet many remain uncollected to date,” Iwegbu explained. “With government revenue constrained, the production of these cards must now be financed by those requesting them.”
The new ID cards, described as “post-paid identity cards,” will only be issued upon request and payment. Nigerians will need to select a pickup location when applying, with the cards available for collection at their chosen points.
Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, emphasized that the government has taken steps to accommodate less privileged citizens who may require the cards to access government support but cannot afford the payment. “This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” Yusuf added.
He also announced that NIMC is collaborating with banks nationwide to streamline access, allowing Nigerians to request and collect their ID cards at bank branches.
The multipurpose cards, powered by AfriGO in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, are set to launch soon. According to Yusuf, the cards will serve multiple functions, including identity verification, payment processing, and access to government services.
“These ID cards will be integral to delivering government interventions and services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” Yusuf noted.
The new initiative aims to modernize identity management in Nigeria while ensuring sustainability through user-driven funding.
