The National Identity Management Commission has announced that Nigerians will need to pay for the newly introduced multipurpose national identity cards.
This policy shift, driven by limited government revenue, was disclosed during a two-day roundtable organized for journalists in Lagos.
Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, explained that the decision ensures that the cards are issued only to individuals who genuinely require them.
Speaking on Friday, he noted that offering the cards for free in the past resulted in wastage, as many Nigerians did not bother to collect them.
“Over two million cards were produced in a previous attempt to issue free National ID cards by the NIMC, but many of them had not been collected to date,” Iwegbu revealed.
He emphasized that the government’s constrained revenue has made it challenging to continue funding the mass production of these cards without contributions from citizens.
The new ID card, described as a “post-paid identity card,” will require individuals to initiate the process only when they need the card. Iwegbu stressed that this approach avoids the inefficiencies of past initiatives and aligns with the current economic realities.
In addition to Iwegbu’s remarks, the Director of Information Technology at NIMC, Mr. Lanre Yusuf, highlighted the practical benefits of the multipurpose ID card, which is designed for identity verification, financial transactions, and access to government services.
“The idea of a free national ID card did not turn out well in the past,” Yusuf stated, adding that the card’s post-paid model ensures greater accountability and intentionality in its use.
He outlined the process for obtaining the card, which includes making a payment, selecting a pickup location, and collecting it from the designated spot.
To enhance accessibility, Yusuf revealed that NIMC is collaborating with banks nationwide, allowing Nigerians to request and retrieve their cards at any bank branch.
“This partnership makes it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request the card,” he explained.
For less privileged Nigerians, Yusuf assured that government programs have been implemented to subsidize the cost of the card, particularly for those who need it to access critical government support.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” he added.
The multipurpose ID card, powered by AfriGO, was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System.
It is expected to serve as a critical tool for accessing government interventions and services across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The rollout of the new cards is anticipated soon, with sample test cards already received, signaling the final stages of preparation for launch.
