Tanzania:Shinyanga Region Illuminated As NIDA Unveils Grand Distribution of National Identification Cards

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a momentous stride towards empowering national identity, the National Identification Authority (NIDA) has ushered in a new era with the official commencement of the distribution of national identification cards to citizens in the vibrant Shinyanga Region.

This historic launch, held with grandeur on February 15, 2024, at the prestigious Shinyanga Regional Commissioner's Meeting Hall, stood as a beacon of progress and was gracefully inaugurated by the esteemed Regional Commissioner, Christina Mdeme.

Nathanael Njau, the NIDA Registrar for the Shinyanga Region, announced the implementation of a comprehensive distribution plan during the launch. With a strong emphasis on collaboration with the Regional Commissioner and her team, Njau highlighted the importance of effective awareness and promotion strategies to streamline the distribution process.

During the event, Njau reported that 86% of the intended 833,279 citizens in the Shinyanga Region, totaling 718,243 individuals, have already been successfully registered. He commended the support of President Samia's Sixth Phase Government in facilitating NIDA's responsibilities.

Regional Commissioner Christina Mndeme handed over the first batch of identification cards to District Commissioners, symbolizing the commencement of the distribution process. She issued instructions for the District Commissioners to oversee the seamless delivery of the identification cards to the intended recipients.

The Regional boss urged citizens who haven't registered yet to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that national identification cards are the right of every Tanzanian. She expressed the government's commitment to ensuring that every citizen possesses a national identification card for convenient access to essential services.

Addressing potential concerns, Mndeme encouraged individuals who have lost their identification cards to visit NIDA offices for replacements. The government aims to efficiently distribute the cards, aligning with the earlier pledge to address the issuance of national identification cards.

This initiative follows a public notice by NIDA, urging residents to prepare for the receipt of their identification cards, with a 14-day deadline for collection from local government offices. Failure to collect within the stipulated time will necessitate a visit to the NIDA district office.

This development comes approximately three months after the government committed to resolving identification card issuance issues, with a target to ensure that all registered individuals receive their identification cards by March of the following year. Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, assured that the required funds had been allocated for the production of 11 million cards.

Despite some challenges reported by local leaders regarding delays in distribution, NIDA remains committed to addressing concerns and ensuring a smooth process. The distribution plan began in five regions on October 12, 2023, followed by subsequent phases covering additional regions.

Every September 16, the world marks the International Day of Identity, a day aimed at emphasizing the importance of official identification for every individual. While not as widely celebrated, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.9), envisioning universal access to official identification, including birth certificates, by 2030.

In Tanzania, the significance of this day is amplified by the historical absence of formal identification. Unlike some East African countries, such as Kenya, which maintained identification even post-colonialism, Tanzania lacked a robust system.

The establishment of the non-governmental organization ID4Africa in 2014 sought to address these challenges, with Tanzania hosting its inaugural meeting in 2015 under the National Identification Authority (NIDA).

Edson Guyai, the Director of ID Production at NIDA and Ambassador of ID4Africa emphasizes that identity's evolution transcends mere security goals; it has become a catalyst for economic, social, and political development. On the International Day of Identity, he distinguishes identity from identification cards, highlighting the power of a unique number for recognition without the need for a physical card.

Participating for the first time in commemorating this significant day, NIDA aims to educate Tanzanians about the importance of registering for legal identification. Their efforts align with modern technology requirements, emphasizing the protection of individuals' information and aiding service providers in verifying legitimacy and accuracy, thereby preventing fraud or crime.

The day also underscores the need for a unified identity system that can streamline processes across various sectors in the country. The National ID card is envisioned to serve multiple purposes, such as passport applications, opening bank accounts, obtaining visas, applying for driver's licenses, and more, without necessitating multiple identification cards.

Guyai explains that a single identity system will not only save costs for the government but also enhance operational efficiency, especially as Tanzania moves towards universal health coverage. NIDA, legally mandated to register, issue identification cards, and maintain personal information databases, faced challenges initially due to incomplete registrations and verification processes.

Despite district offices being overwhelmed by a surge in registration towards the final days, Guyai attributes this to a lack of awareness about the importance of having identification. As of now, NIDA has registered around 24.1 million people, with approximately 67.5% having received identification cards. Notably, the absence of a physical card doesn't hinder individuals from accessing services.

Tanzania's leadership in technology-driven people registration has inspired neighboring countries. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's directive for inclusive registration from birth is applauded, and Guyai suggests amending the law to lower the registration age below 18.

Looking ahead, Tanzania is poised for digital identification without physical cards, integrating systems for seamless verification. NIDA explores advancements in registration technology, including facial and iris recognition, offering alternatives for those with damaged fingerprints.

Brenda Kileo, the ID Production Manager at NIDA, urges prompt registration, highlighting the multifaceted significance of NIDA identification cards. From SIM card registration to business/company registration, e-passport applications, healthcare access, and financial transactions, NIDA cards are pivotal in unlocking opportunities for Tanzanians.

Therefore, Tanzania’s NIDA is not just distributing identification cards; it is forging a path to inclusive development, providing citizens with a universally recognized identity that opens doors to various services and opportunities. As the International Day of Identity gains significance, NIDA stands at the forefront, empowering Tanzanians for a brighter future.