Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In Cameroon, the procedure for obtaining a National Identity Card (CNI) has become simpler and efficient. Cameroonians can now apply online and pay the sum 10,000 FCFA fee via mobile money services. Once they have received their payment receipt, the applicant will have to go to an identification post to finalise the application. The identity card will then be issued within 48 hours.
To summarise, the following steps must be followed:
Pay 10,000 CFA francs via Orange Money, MTN Money, etc.
Obtain a receipt issued by the tax authorities.
Go to a local identification post with your birth certificate, proof of occupation and payment receipt.
After 48 hours, you will receive your new ID card, valid for 15 years.
According to the DGSN, the new identity card will have enhanced security features, making it more difficult to forge. Its validity period, extended to 15 years, will enable citizens to reduce the frequency of their administrative procedures. In other to facilitate access to the service, enrolment centres will now be set up in several towns across the country, notably Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua. This decentralisation will reduce travel and waiting times for citizens.
The challenges ahead
This new measure marks a significant step forward in the modernisation of public services in Cameroon. It should help improve the efficiency of the administration and make life easier for citizens. However, while this reform is an excellent news of innovation, challenges remain. It is crucial to ensure that all Cameroonians can benefit from these new services, including those living in rural areas. In addition, raising public awareness of the new procedures for obtaining a national identity card is essential for the success of this reform.
