Nigerians Without National ID Card Won’t Get Passports, Says NIMC
Victor Ogunje
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has declared that with the executive order signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, no Nigerian will now get international passport without National Identity Card.
The NIMC Director in Ekiti State, Mr.Gbenga Ifayefunmi, who stated this, further disclosed that there are 22 collection points in the state, and urged the residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to collect their cards.
He spoke in Ado Ekiti, the state capital when the state Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi registered at the commission’s office
Ifayefunmi said the cards for those who registered between 2012 and 2014 were ready while new registrants will get their cards within the shortest possible time with improved technology in place.
Describing the National ID card as unique, Ifayefunmi revealed that it has many features.
“It comes with many advantages because you will be asked to come with your National ID card before you can access government facilities.
“It has unique numbers, social security numbers and can be used for healthcare, education, among others.
“In fact by virtue of an Executive Order signed by President Buhari, you cannot obtain international passport or driver’s licence without the National ID Card.”
Speaking after getting his card, the Ekiti deputy governor urged residents yet to register for the National Identity Card scheme to do so without delay.
Egbeyemi also called on those who had registered to go to the office of the NIMC to collect their National Identity Cards.
Egbeyemi advised the people of the state yet to register to do so to enjoy many benefits the holders of the card are entitled to.
Egbeyemi said: “I am calling on all the people of Ekiti State who are yet to register for the National ID card to go and register.
“I have just collected my own card now. I am therefore calling on those already registered but yet to collect their cards to go and collect their cards because the cards are now ready.”