The recently concluded issuance of National Identity Cards to public servants and pensioners across the country has generated nearly two million dalasi for the government, a communication officer has revealed.
Lamin Darboe, the Communication Officer at the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS) made the revelation following the successful registration exercise jointly organised by MoPS and the Gambia Immigration Department (GID).
Speaking to members of the press over the weekend as the team wrapped up the second and final phase of the nationwide exercise, Darboe revealed that a total of D1,867,500.00 was generated from both phases. Of this amount, he added, D1,800,900.00 was collected during the first phase alone, bringing the total revenue close to the two-million-dalasi mark.
Mr. Darboe, who was designated by his Ministry to oversee the coordination of the ID card issuance process to civil servants and pensioners, said the initiative commenced in Banjul on 10 September 2025 and concluded on 21 November 2025 in the Kanifing Municipality (KM).
He outlined the number of applicants registered during the first phase of the exercise, conducted from 10 September to 20 October 2025, as follows: Banjul 397, Kanifing Municipality 530, West Coast Region 712, Lower River Region 547, Central River Region 618, Upper River Region 676, and North Bank Region 522.
During the second phase, held exclusively in KM from 10–21 November 2025, a total of 148 applicants were registered, generating D66,600.00.
He explained that the primary objectives of the exercise were to support the upcoming census of public servants and pensioners by ensuring that all civil servants and pensioners possess valid national identification cards, and to strengthen payroll integrity and overall personnel management within the public service.
Darboe stated that the team comprised five officers, three from the Gambia Immigration Department and two from the Ministry of Public Service. He added that the exercise witnessed a strong turnout across all regions.
However, he reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Gambia Immigration Department and other key stakeholders to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the public service database.
On behalf of the Ministry of Public Service, he expressed his appreciation to the Regional Governors and Education Directorates for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
He further extended gratitude to the World Bank, through the Central Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU) under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, for financing the entire process.
In addition, he commended Permanent Secretaries, Pateh Jah and Sheriff Jallow of the Ministry of Public Service, as well as OC Momodou Jarra Jallow of Kanifing Immigration Office, for the guidance and support they provided during the exercise.