National identity card in 48 hours: a new system coming soon to Cameroon 🇨🇲

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Obtaining a national identity card (NIC) in just 48 hours will soon become a reality in Cameroon. The General Delegate for National Security (DGSN), Martin Mbarga Nguele, has announced the official launch of this new system on February 17, 2025. This reform aims to put an end to long waiting times and NIC shortages that have affected many Cameroonians for years.

A gradual implementation schedule 📅

The new system will be deployed progressively. Starting February 17, 2025, online pre-enrollment operations will begin, similar to the process already in place for biometric passports. Then, from February 24, physical enrollments will start in all regional capitals. Furthermore, once the application is registered, citizens will be able to receive their CNI within 48 hours or even less, according to the DGSN’s assurances.

This announcement marks a significant step forward, especially after the failed launch planned for 2024. Although the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul Biya, authorized this new system last year, no explanation was given for the delay in its implementation. This time, the authorities seem ready to fulfill their commitments.

Modernizing identification 🏢

To ensure the efficiency of this system, the Cameroonian government has entrusted the production of NICs to the German-Portuguese consortium INCM-Augentic. On May 13, 2024, an agreement was signed with this consortium to finance, develop, and operate the new secure identification system.

This project includes several components:

• The construction of 68 ultra-modern multifunctional centers across the 10 regions and 58 departments of Cameroon.
• The renovation of 219 existing identification posts to modernize services.
• The production of NICs using an advanced biometric system, ensuring greater security for identity documents.

A response to citizens’ long waiting times ⏳

Today, obtaining a CNI in Cameroon is a real challenge. In theory, the official processing time is three months. In reality, some Cameroonians have been waiting for a year, or even four years, without ever receiving their card. Most have to make do with temporary receipts. This new measure will ease the burden on all these applicants.

Your thoughts !!
What do you think of this new 48-hour CNI issuance system? Is it a sufficient solution to resolve identity issues in Cameroon? Let us know in the comments ☺️