Nigeria FG to print Permanent Voters cards for N2.6Billion

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N2.6billion for the Independent National Electoral Commission for the printing of 40million permanent voters’ card.
The unit cost of the electronically enabled voters’ cards is N65.00 and it is expected to be ready within the next seven months. 
The printing contract for the new cards was awarded to ACT Technologies Limited.
Besides, the cards are expected to allow voters to participate in elections irrespective of the location in the country.
The printing of 40million Permanent voters’ cards which is the first phase of the project is to replace the temporary cards issued to electorates at the point of registration last year. It would be recalled that about 73.5million voters registered during the 2011 nationwide registration exercise.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the FEC meeting chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan, Information Minister, Labaran Maku, alongside Minister of State, Finance, Yerima Ngama said INEC is expected to print additional cards by next year to meet the requirement of voters in the country.
Maku noted that the issuance of the permanent cards was in line with 2010 Electoral Act, and they will replace the 73.5 million temporary voters’ cards issued by the commission for the 2011 general elections.
He also explained that the new cards will remain valid for minimum of 10 years and contains security features and other bio data of voters. Source; The Nation