Nigeria Public Outcry: NIMC Receives Heavy Criticism for Proposed National ID Card Fees

Nigerians express outrage as NIMC announces plans to charge fees for new national identity cards, labeling the move as unjust. Critics slam the commission's decision, calling it a burden on citizens. Social media erupts with discontent over the proposed payment system for ID cards."

Abisoye Odusote, director-general/chief executive officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has revealed that Nigerians will be required to pay a fee to obtain the new general multipurpose national identity card through financial institutions.

Odusote made this announcement during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, emphasizing that while the National Identification Number (NIN) remains free, the issuance of the physical card will incur a charge.

She likened the process to accessing ATM cards from banks, indicating that individuals will pay through financial institutions to receive their digital multipurpose identity cards within 48 hours of payment.

Applicants will need to request the card using their NIN through either a self-service online portal or banks, with payments processed through the banking system.