Viral social media posts claim every Nigerian must pay to obtain a new National Identity Card. Prime Brief Media examined official NIMC policies to separate fact from misinformation.
The Claim
Social media posts and WhatsApp broadcasts have recently claimed that every Nigerian must now pay to obtain a National Identity Card, suggesting that the Federal Government has made payment compulsory for all citizens.
Some versions of the claim also state that citizens who fail to make payment risk losing access to government services linked to their National Identification Number (NIN).
But is this true?
Prime Brief Media examined available evidence.
What We Found
Our findings show that the claim is misleading.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has not announced that every Nigerian must pay to obtain a National Identity Card.
Instead, the commission recently reviewed the fees charged for specific premium identity services, while many core identity services remain available under existing government policy.
The confusion appears to stem from the introduction and review of charges for selected services, not from a blanket requirement that all Nigerians must pay for identity registration.
Understanding the Difference
Many social media posts fail to distinguish between the National Identification Number (NIN) and the National Identity Card.
The NIN is a unique identification number issued after successful enrolment into Nigeria's National Identity Database.
The National Identity Card is a physical or digital means of presenting that identity.
Having a NIN does not automatically mean every citizen must immediately pay for a new card.
Which Services Attract Official Charges?
According to NIMC's published schedule of fees, charges apply to specific services, including:
Correction of personal information.
Replacement of lost or damaged identity cards.
Premium identity verification services.
Certain specialised requests made by individuals or organisations.
These fees are administrative charges for optional or additional services, not a mandatory payment imposed on every Nigerian.
What Remains Available?
Eligible Nigerians can still enrol for a National Identification Number (NIN) through authorised NIMC enrolment centres.
Government agencies continue to encourage citizens to obtain their NIN because it is required for several public services, including:
Passport applications.
SIM registration.
Bank verification.
Access to some government programmes.
Tax and pension administration.
However, obtaining a NIN should not be confused with claims that everyone must immediately pay for a physical identity card.
Why the Rumour Spread
Fact-checkers say misinformation surrounding identity management often spreads because official policy announcements are summarised inaccurately on social media.
In many cases:
Official fee reviews become exaggerated.
Optional services are presented as compulsory.
Old announcements are reshared without context.
Unverified graphics circulate on WhatsApp groups.
These factors can create unnecessary panic among citizens.
How to Verify Identity-Related Information
Prime Brief Media advises Nigerians to rely on official information from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before making payments or sharing viral messages.
Residents should be cautious of individuals claiming to process identity cards for unofficial fees or promising faster registration outside approved channels.
When in doubt, verify information directly with authorised NIMC offices or through official government communication channels.
Prime Brief Media Verdict
🟡 MISLEADING
The claim that every Nigerian must now pay to obtain a National Identity Card is misleading.
While some NIMC services attract official administrative fees, there is no government announcement requiring every Nigerian to immediately pay for a new identity card.
Citizens should verify any payment-related information through official NIMC channels and avoid relying solely on viral social media posts.
Truth or Fake Scorecard
Claim: Every Nigerian must now pay for a National Identity Card.
Status: 🟡 MISLEADING
Why? Fees apply only to certain NIMC services. The claim wrongly suggests a universal payment requirement for all Nigerians.
Have you seen a viral claim you'd like us to verify? Send it to the Prime Brief Media Fact-Check Desk, and we'll investigate the evidence before separating fact from fiction.
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