A recent snap poll from NOI Polls Limited has revealed that about eight in 10 Nigerians, which represent 80 per cent of the sample, have expressed support for the introduction of the new national identification card scheme.
The result of the survey made available to our correspondent also revealed that 60 per cent of those interviewed were of the opinion that the most important benefits of owning the national ID card were that it would serve as a means of identification and proof of citizenship.
However, despite the overwhelming support for the new national ID card scheme, results further revealed that majority of the respondents (about 58 per cent) were not aware of the scheme, indicating the need for more public awareness on the processes and benefits of obtaining the new national ID card, particularly its implications for security, immigration and financial inclusion.
Recently, the National Identity Management Commission and MasterCard Incorporated formed a partnership for the purpose of rolling out the new national identity cards in Nigeria as approved by the Federal Government.
The new ID card will have 13 applications, including MasterCard’s prepaid payment technology which was introduced to enhance financial inclusion and boost the cash-less policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
According to NIMC, the card will serve as a formal electronic payment solution in the country which will in turn enhance security, convenience and reliability of electronic payments through unique National Identification Numbers of duly registered persons.
Even though results show that about six in 10 (60 per cent) Nigerians claimed to have the old National ID card, the majority (48 per cent of 60 per cent) indicated experiencing some levels of difficulty in the processes involved in obtaining an ID card which goes to reiterate the need for government to simplify the procedures involved in obtaining the new ID card considering its importance in identification and national security as revealed from the findings of this poll.
According to the respondents, the National ID Card Management Commission needs to engage the pubic on various awareness campaign platforms with regards to educating on the issuance of the new ID card scheme and the benefits of registering to obtain an ID card, considering particularly its implications for security, immigration and financial inclusion which have become basic challenges being faced by the citizenry in Nigeria.