After decades of delays, hiccups and near misses, as well as investment running into billions of Naira, the announcement by Internal Affairs Minister, Dr. Mohammed Shata that February 18 is the "final date" for commencement of the National Identity Card project is a significant development. It is cause for cheer, since it hopefully represents some real progress at last. But there is good reason for caution too because the history of the ID card scheme is dotted with disappointments because of the failure of successive administrations to give flesh to high-sounding intentions. In the circumstance, the current administration which has refused to give up on the project despite strong opposition deserves some benefit of doubt and support of all well- meaning citizens to execute the project so that Nigerians can finally enjoy the many benefits. This is because the controversies which have trailed it over the years not- withstanding, the benefits are not open to argument.

As things stand, it is quite clear that progress has been made in terms of preparation. Sixty million citizens are expected to be registered within the first two weeks of the exercise beginning from February 18. The federal government, which initially had hired outside consultants to handle the publicity campaign, changed its mind and opted instead for the National Orientation Agency (NOA). The contract is worth N200m. Perhaps even more significant, the Naira equivalent of the total contract sum has been released. The Central Bank of Nigeria, it is expected, will also make part of the funding available to the manager of the project, after converting it to Naira.

There are also indications that SAGEM SA France, the major contractor has put necessary processes in motion in readiness for carrying out its responsibilities. These responsibilities include training and retraining employees recruited for the exercise and servicing the expensive and delicate high-tech equipment needed for the scheme which are located in the Directorate of National Civil Registration (DNCR), the hub of the entire project. Sixty thousand ad hoc workers recruited for the scheme are also in the process of receiving the backlog of four to five months of unpaid salaries. All in all, everything is being done to revive the ID card scheme, also known as the Citizens Registration Project following its suspension last year due to shortage of funds in the wake of disagreements with SAGEM SA which insisted on getting 60 per cent of the contract sum before starting field work.

As encouraging, as these developments are, the federal government and relevant agencies have an onerous responsibility not only to ensure that the commencement date of February 18 is kept but also that the programme is implemented to the letter. Doubts have been expressed as to whether Nigeria, at this point in its history, has what it takes to successfully conduct a complex exercise like the National Identity Card project. For instance, many citizens have asked if the relevant agencies are organised enough to do justice to the task. The logistical challenge involved in preparing a comprehensive data base of all Nigerians with accurate information on such details as blood group, height, state, ethnic origins, profession etc are indeed daunting. Unfortunately, there is little in our recent experience to suggest that we are totally ready for this kind of enterprise. The practical problems are further compounded by political ones. There are vast differences of opinion in the country about the need or otherwise of a project of this nature.

For instance, opposition from the Northern part of the country which was suspicious about the earlier plan to use the ID cards for this year's elections was one of the factors that delayed its execution. With the decision to move the project forward, that fear was addressed. But the second ground for the North's lack of enthusiasm :- that pervasive illiteracy may prevent the registration of many citizens from that part of the country remains. Given the nation's literacy rate which currently hovers around 47 per cent, other parts of the country are also affected. The possibility that foreigners, in connivance with dubious politicians will take advantage of our porous borders and register massively as Nigerians abroad the opportunity to participate in the project will certainly complicate things further. With the failure of the Nigerian state so evident in critical areas of national life, the success of the national ID card project cannot be taken for granted.

Despite the foregoing, giving up on the idea is no option. There is really no alternative to proceeding with the scheme. Our development as a nation will be largely dependent on how much information we have about ourselves. Without accurate information, it is difficult to confront poverty, infrastructural decay, a crumbling education system and the other challenges facing the nation. Without data we simply can't plan. There is also the fact that much smaller and poorer countries have successfully executed this scheme. If these countries can do it, there is good reason to believe that we can too. The fact that the necessary equipment which was procured at great cost to the nation is already in place is an additional reason not to give up. Even if the information gathered is incomplete, it would still be much better than the current situation of having no definitive statistics on the citizens of this country.

Having said that, Since so much hangs on success, the need for strategic thinking is paramount, might be wise to consider a phased approach based on segmentation of the population so that the project is not overwhelmed by sheer numbers. For instance, the project could flag off with the registration of professionals, followed by students and so on and so forth. Security should also be emphasized to reduce the infiltration of aliens to the barest minimum.