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The National Identification Authority (NIDA) has warned that individuals who fail to collect their national identity cards risk having their National Identification Numbers (NIN) suspended.
This announcement comes as the government intensifies efforts to distribute more than one million unclaimed identity cards before the January 31, 2025, deadline set by the Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa.
Speaking to the media on January 13, Minister Bashungwa revealed that the government’s directive has already resulted in the distribution of 400,000 identity cards. However, with over 800,000 cards still uncollected, NIDA has introduced stricter measures to encourage compliance.
In a letter issued on January 17, NIDA’s Director-General, James Kaji, explained the next steps. Those who have not yet collected their cards will receive a text message reminding them to visit their local NIDA office. If they fail to act within one month of receiving the notification, their NIN usage will be suspended.
“This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity and functionality of the national identification system,” Kaji said in the letter.
National identity cards play a critical role in accessing essential services, such as banking, mobile money registration, and participation in government programs. The suspension of NIN usage is seen as a last resort to prompt individuals to collect their cards, which have been produced but remain idle.
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Minister Bashungwa stressed the importance of the cards during a briefing with journalists, describing the identification system as a cornerstone of modern service delivery. “This is about empowering Tanzanians,” he said. “We need everyone to have their identity cards, not just to meet a deadline but to ensure they can access services smoothly and without unnecessary delays.”
To meet the deadline, NIDA has ramped up its efforts, opening additional distribution points and collaborating with local leaders to reach citizens in remote areas. The agency has also encouraged extended operating hours at its offices to accommodate those who may have difficulty collecting their cards during regular business hours.
Despite these efforts, some challenges remain. Many citizens are still unaware of the importance of the cards or the consequences of not collecting them. Others face logistical difficulties, particularly in rural areas where accessing distribution centers can be a challenge.
January 31 deadline approaches, NIDA and the government are urging citizens to act quickly to avoid disruptions to their access to critical services. The suspension of NIN usage is not intended as a punishment, officials say, but as a way to emphasize the importance of completing the distribution process.
