National ID Cards to Be Issued for a Fee Amidst Financial Constraints
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced that Nigerians must now pay for the new multipurpose National Identity Cards. The Tinubu-led administration struggles with fiscal constraints, making it impossible to finance the distribution of free cards. The move aims to address inefficiencies from previous efforts in which millions of free ID cards went uncollected.
Government Revenue Constraints and the Need for Payment
Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, explained that limited government revenue led to the new ID card fee. The government’s struggle to finance public services made providing free National Identity Cards unfeasible. The fee ensures the cards are issued only to those in need, preventing inefficiency and waste.
Post-Paid System for Identity Verification
The new National Identity Card is designed to be a “post-paid” identity card, according to Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s IT Director. Under this system, individuals must pay a fee, select a pickup location, and later collect their card from the chosen spot. The new card is intended to serve multiple purposes, including identity verification, payments, and accessing government services. Yusuf emphasized that these changes were made to address both financial limitations and past inefficiencies.
Support for Less Privileged Nigerians
Yusuf acknowledged that paying for the new ID card may burden some citizens but emphasized programs to assist the less privileged. Targeted support programs will ensure these citizens can still access the ID card for essential government services. The government intends to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent vulnerable groups from acquiring the necessary identification.
Collaborations with Financial Institutions
The NIMC has partnered with various banks to facilitate the process of acquiring the new ID card. Nigerians will now be able to request and collect their cards at designated bank branches across the country. This partnership with financial institutions is designed to streamline the distribution process and make it more accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location.
Concerns Over Data Security and Past Allegations
The rollout of the new payment system comes amid previous concerns regarding the integrity of the NIMC’s operations. Earlier this year, there were reports of data manipulation, including allegations that the commission had altered citizens’ dates of birth on their National Identity Cards for a fee. Additionally, there were claims of security breaches that exposed the sensitive data of millions of Nigerians. These concerns have raised questions about the future of the national identification program, as citizens seek assurances about the security of their personal information.
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