In view of the current state of affairs in Nigeria today, the means of identifying one’s self has become a paramount issue in our society. So many have become a victim of circumstances due to the lack of appropriately identifying themselves. An identity document (ID card or colloquial papers) is any document that may be used to prove a person’s identity.
The means of identification is not just limited to ID cards, but can also be any document that may be used to prove a person’s identity. There are different ways to prove a person’s identity. Most countries accept international passports as a form of identification. Some countries require all people to have an identity document available at all times. Many countries require all foreigners to have a passport or occasionally a national identity card from their home country available at all times if they do not have a residence permit in the country.
In Nigeria, some of the most common means of identification involves the following;
- National identity card
- Permanent voters’ card
- Company identity card
- Driver’s license
- International passport
It is a prerequisite to have an identity document at all times. This is because the identity document is used to connect a person to information about the person. The photo and the possession of it is used to connect the person with the document. The connection between the identity document and information database is based on personal information found in the document, such as the bearer’s full name, age, birth date, address, an identification number, card number, gender, citizenship and more. A unique national identification number is the most secure way.
Having identity documents at all times, will go a long way in helping to limit mismatching of people, identity theft, fraud, as well as crime in general. It is also the primary means emergency responders use to identity an individual and notify the family members in the event of an accident which leaves a person unconscious or dead in the worst case scenario.
