By Binta Jaiteh
The Gambian government Tuesday launched the nationwide issuance of a new 10-year National Identity Card.
The launching exercise which was done through the Ministry of Interior was part of efforts to modernize the country’s national identification system.
The exercise is being implemented in partnership with Margins ID Group Limited, a Ghana-based identity solutions company which is providing technology and technical support for the new identification system.
The rollout commenced simultaneously at registration centers in Kanifing, Bundung, Abuko, Brikama, Soma and Basse.
Registration started after brief delays caused by power outages and internet connectivity problems at some centers.
Despite the initial setbacks, dozens of Gambians turned out to enroll and obtain the new biometric identity cards.
Several applicants welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards improving national identification services through the use of digital technology.
The Officer Commanding of the Abuko Immigration Station, Modou H. Bah, acknowledged that technical challenges were encountered on the first day of the exercise, particularly with fingerprint scanning.
He, however, assured the public that the Department of Immigration remained committed to resolving the issues promptly to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.
Immigration officers and members of the ID card issuance team continued assisting applicants by processing registration forms, capturing biometric information and providing guidance throughout the enrolment exercise.
Margins ID Group Limited, established in 1990 has evolved from a document finishing solutions provider into an integrated identity infrastructure company specializing in secure credential manufacturing, digital identity technologies and identity management systems.
The company works with governments and institutions to develop secure identity systems aimed at improving identity verification, public service delivery, institutional efficiency and data quality.