The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will be required to pay for the new multipurpose national identity cards, citing limited government revenue as the primary reason for the decision.
Speaking during a two-day roundtable meeting with journalists in Lagos, Peter Iwegbu, NIMC’s Head of Card Management Services, explained that the government cannot cover the production costs due to financial constraints.
“To ensure efficient distribution and avoid past issues, national identity cards will now be produced only for those who need them and are willing to pay,” Iwegbu stated. He highlighted that during previous efforts to provide free cards, over two million cards were produced but remained uncollected.
Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, described the free national ID card initiative as a failure. He noted that the new system would ensure a more streamlined process where individuals pay, select a pickup location, and collect their cards without delays.
“Past mistakes taught us that issuing free cards was inefficient. The new model ensures that only those who genuinely need the cards get them,” Yusuf said.
To address concerns about affordability, Yusuf added that the government has introduced programmes to assist underprivileged Nigerians who cannot afford the new ID cards but require them to access government services.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
The NIMC’s new policy marks a significant shift in its approach to distributing national identity cards, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and accountability while introducing measures to support vulnerable populations.