The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will be required to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card due to the government’s limited revenue.
Peter Iwegbu, Head of the Commission’s Card Management Services, made this disclosure during a two-day press conference held on Thursday in Lagos.
Iwegbu explained that charging for the identity card would ensure its production is prioritised for those who genuinely need it, avoiding the mistakes of previous initiatives where free cards were issued but largely uncollected.
He revealed that over two million cards were produced in a prior attempt to distribute free national ID cards. However, many remain unclaimed to this day.
“Before we stopped production due to funding constraints, we produced more than two million cards, but many are still in our offices. People didn’t collect them because they didn’t need them,” he said.
Iwegbu also highlighted that the government’s financial constraints are a major factor in the decision to charge for the new ID cards. “The government’s limited revenue is a key reason why Nigerians will need to pay for the new identity card,” he added.
He further noted that NIMC is partnering with banks nationwide to make the process more convenient. Citizens will be able to visit their nearest bank to request and collect the card.
Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, also spoke at the event, pointing out that the concept of providing free national ID cards had not worked effectively in the past. Yusuf described the new ID as a post-paid card, meaning individuals will only request it if they require it.
“To obtain the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, choose a collection location, and then pick up the card from their selected location,” Yusuf explained.
He added that the government has introduced measures to ensure the card is accessible to underprivileged Nigerians who need it to access government support, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and equality.
The new multipurpose national ID card is expected to launch soon, with sample test cards already in circulation. Yusuf highlighted its versatility, noting that it can be used for identity verification, payments, and accessing government services.
Earlier in April, the Nigerian government announced its plans to roll out the multipurpose national identity card. Powered by AfriGO, the initiative is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The card will facilitate government interventions and services across various ministries, departments, and agencies.
