Achievements of NIDA The National Identification Authority (NIDA) has made significant strides in implementing its mandate of registering and identifying individuals across Tanzania. Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIDA is responsible for issuing National Identification Cards to Tanzanian citizens, lawful refugees, and resident foreigners aged 18 years and above.
Over the three years of the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan (March 2021 – January 2024), NIDA has achieved remarkable progress.
Achievements of NIDA in Three Years of the Sixth Phase Government In 2024
Over three years, NIDA, under Tanzania’s Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, achieved remarkable progress in registration, identification, and issuing National Identification Cards, enhancing citizen services nationwide.
Enhancing Registration and Identification of Individuals
During the three-year period:
- 2,442,744 citizens have been registered, bringing the total number of registered individuals to 24,495,804.
- 2,003,256 National Identification Numbers (NINs) have been issued, raising the total to 20,768,171.
These efforts have strengthened the national identification system across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through district registration offices.
Production and Distribution of National Identification Cards
With the support of the Sixth Phase Government, NIDA introduced a mass production initiative in October 2023 to address delays in card issuance.
- 12,561,983 identification cards have been produced.
- Of these, 10,245,650 cards have been distributed to citizens.
- As of January 2024, a total of 19,593,384 cards have been produced, with 17,161,600 cards distributed.
The authority aims to ensure that all registered citizens receive their identification cards by March 2024.
Improved Infrastructure and Communication
- 22 district offices have been connected to the central Data Processing Center, making the total connected offices 153.
- This connectivity enhances the speed and efficiency of processing applications and producing identification cards.
Integration with Other Institutions
Over the three years, 40 institutions have been integrated into NIDA’s registration and identification system, increasing the total number of integrated institutions to 96. This step has streamlined service delivery and facilitated identification for citizens accessing services.
Increased Government Revenue
NIDA has collected over TSh 52.5 billion in three years, with the funds channeled to the Government’s Central Fund. The authority was awarded third place by President Samia for its contribution to government revenue among non-commercial public institutions.
Online Registration Services
In 2022/2023, NIDA introduced an online registration service:
- It allows citizens to register from anywhere.
- It also extended the service to Tanzanians living abroad (Diaspora) for the first time. Pilot programs were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Resource Mobilization for Production
With President Samia’s support, NIDA procured 13,514,251 blank cards worth TSh 51.5 billion, enabling large-scale production to proceed at a fast pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is eligible for NIDA registration?
Tanzanian citizens, lawful refugees, and resident foreigners aged 18 years and above.
Q2. Where is the online registration service available?
The service is accessible anywhere through the internet, designed to reduce the need for citizens to visit district registration offices.
Q3. What about those who haven’t received their ID cards yet?
NIDA plans to complete the distribution of identification cards to all registered individuals by March 2024.
Conclusion
NIDA’s achievements over the three years of the Sixth Phase Government are a testament to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to strengthening the country’s identification system.
From enhanced registration and ID production to the registration of Tanzanians living abroad, these milestones demonstrate NIDA’s dedication to improving citizen services and contributing to national development.