ID cards cost FCFA 10,000, nothing more -Taxation

By Stephen TADAHA

The Directorate General of Taxation said Cameroonians will pay the sum of FCFA 10,000 for obtaining their National Identity Cards, instead of FCFA 15,000 as has been circulating on social media.

In a 2-page document to justify the price hike, the Taxation head office said the context and motivation to give Cameroonians quality ID cards by fighting Identity fraud and avoiding altercations at police stations.

For transparency reasons, the stamp price increased from FCFA 1 000 to FCFA 10 000 will be paid exclusively through electronic means. The FCFA 10, 000 includes all other charges linked to the production process like the nationality certificate, copy of birth certificate, non-conviction certificate, and photography. This unique sum is paid online to avoid fraud and extortion, the FAQ document revealed.

It was also revealed that 90% of the amount will be paid to the partner in charge of production. The partner on its part will have as responsibility to construct and equip 3 multipurpose centers, 7 Regional centers, and 58 Divisional centers for enrollment.

The partner will also have to renovate 219 already existing identification units, put in place a performant communication platform, construct a national database and a help desk, put in place 1,000 enrollment units et 1 000 mobile authentication terminals, and install electrical energy supply alternatives in all identification posts.

The new ID cards according to the tax department will be forgery-proof, robust, and long-lasting with 15-year validity.

Among some of the advantages to the population, the Taxation department assures that the new ID cards will be issued in 48 hours.