"No Longer Free": NIMC Gives New Details on How Nigerians Can Now Process and Get National ID Card

"No Longer Free": NIMC Gives New Details on How Nigerians Can Now Process and Get National ID Card

  • The NIMC has announced that Nigerians will now pay for the new multipurpose national ID card due to limited government revenue
  • Nigerians must now make a payment, select a pickup location, and collect their national ID cards, with a system designed to aid less privileged individuals
  • NIMC has partnered with Nigerian banks to allow citizens to request and collect their cards from any bank branch, making the process more accessible

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will now pay for the new multipurpose national identity card, citing limited government revenue as the key reason.

Speaking at a two-day roundtable event for online editors in Lagos, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, NIMC's Head of Card Management Services, explained the policy shift.

NIMC unveils new step for national ID card collection
NIMC discloses new steps for Nigerians to collection national ID card Photo credit: @NimcSupport
Source: Twitter
“The government’s limited revenue is a major factor in making Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” Iwegbu said.

He emphasized that the move is aimed at ensuring only those who truly need the card request it, avoiding a repeat of past mistakes when over two million free cards remained uncollected.

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New Payment System: "Post-paid identity cards"

Dr. Lanre Yusuf, NIMC's Director of Information Technology, explained that the new card system operates on a post-paid basis.

“To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and collect their card,” Yusuf said.

He added that measures had been introduced to assist less privileged Nigerians, ensuring they can access the card for government support.

The multipurpose card, powered by AfriGO, will enable identity verification, payments, and access to government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Easier access through banks

NIMC revealed a partnership with Nigerian banks to simplify card issuance.

“People can walk into any bank and request the card,” Yusuf said, adding that test samples had already been received.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, Yusuf noted.

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NIMC gives update on registering children's NIN

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the National Identification Management Commission, NIMC, has disclosed that parents are required to update their children’s NIN information when they turn 16 years.

In a statement that was made public on Monday, NIMC revealed the process of updating the information for persons above the age of 16.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944