REGISTRATION FOR THE NEW NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD.

Nigeria is a country where the citizenry expect to see a drastic and holistic change in every sector of the economy, but very few believe that change is a process.

Some Nigerians say President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is clueless, visionless, and lacks the wherewithal to lead this nation to her promised land.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) established by the NIMC Act No.23 of 2007, is the umbrella body mandated to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria.

The body registers Nigerians and assigns a unique National Identification Number (NIN) after which General Multi Purpose Cards are issued only to the registered individuals. The question is 'who is to be registered?'

According to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) Chapter 3 Section 25(1) a-c, on Citizenship By Birth, states that

·        every person born in Nigeria before the date of independence, either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents belongs or belonged to a community indigenous to Nigeria

·        every person born in Nigeria after the date of independence either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents is a citizen of Nigeria

·        every person born outside Nigeria either of whose parents is a citizen of Nigeria.

This means that if you belong to any of the aforementioned groups, you are eligible to be registered.

Another question is ‘is everybody eligible to have an identity card­?’ Only those who have attained 16 years are eligible to have an ID card, while those less than 16 yrs will only be issued a NIN. Although, there is plan to review the age limit in future.

Nigerians are curious about this exercise, and have been asking questions like ‘what happens to the other ID card?’ ‘Do we need to pay for this?’  ‘Is anyone given the franchise to register people?’

The registration and first issuance of the Identity card is FREE, however, there is a cost for any subsequent card replacement in the event of loss, damage etc. Beware of fraudsters posing as NIMC agents or staff as nobody is given the franchise to operate, but there are freelance individuals who help those who cannot access the internet to do the online pre registration.

President Goodluck Jonathan launching the new national ID card

This new Nigerian National I.D card was launched on 28^th August, 2014 by president GEJ, and has features like the holders photograph, name, age and unique I.D no. and the branded logo of the American firm MasterCard.

The importance of this card cannot be overemphasized, as it will provide Nigerians the secured, easy and reliable way of making electronic payments or transactions.

According to president GEJ, “To all Nigerians, I say, remember the National Identification Number (NIN) is your identity. The card is not only a means of certifying your identity, but also, a personal database repository and payment card, all in your pocket!” This means that with it you can withdraw money in any place.

Sample of the new national ID card

However, Nigerians are infuriated over the MasterCard logo, since it is not a Nigerian Identity. They expect the National colours of green & white, as well as the coat of Arms to be part of the features. According to NIMC Director of technical services, Mr. Emmanuel Ogungbe, “the New National I.D card is supposed to assist in tracking criminals as well.”

If you are yet to avail yourself for registration please do so at any of the local government secretariats and other registered centres in your state.

ENROL ONCE AND BE IDENTIFIED FOR LIFE.