Nigerians will now need to pay for the new multipurpose National Identity card to avoid the issue of uncollected cards. NIMC cites financial constraints and a need-based system for the card’s production. The card will serve as an identity, payment, and government services tool, with provisions for less privileged citizens.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has clarified that Nigerians will need to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card. Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, explained that the decision to charge for the cards is to avoid past mistakes where over two million cards went uncollected when they were issued for free.
The government is facing financial constraints, making it impossible to fund the cards without payment. Iwegbu emphasized that people must have a clear need for the cards, which will now be available for collection through banks nationwide. Despite this, the government will provide support for less privileged Nigerians unable to pay.
The new card, which will serve multiple purposes including identity verification and access to government services, is set to be launched in the coming weeks. This new system follows lessons from the previous attempt to distribute cards for free and aims to ensure that the cards are needed and used.
