Almost $2 billion for NIDS project in upcoming financial year
Loading article...
Approximately $2 billion will be allocated in the next fiscal year to continue implementing the National Identification System (NIDS) for Economic Growth Project. The 2026-2027 fiscal year will start on April 1.
Details of the project and the proposed $1.86 billion are outlined in the 2026-2027 Budget, which was recently tabled in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams.
The project aims to deliver a secure, reliable and unique means of verifying individual identity.
In the upcoming fiscal year, the programme will complete modifications and establish wide area network connections for 19 enrolment sites, as well as finalise the Registrar General’s Department’s web portal for e-wallet and digital birth certificates.
The programme will also continue supporting the National Identification and Registration Act (NIRA) by expanding enrolment coverage, executing the NIDS communication strategy, and maintaining and updating the National Identification System.
Up to December 2025, programme achievements included the enactment of the National Identification and Registration Act, acquisition and installation of equipment for the NIDS Data Centre, commencement of work at 17 designated enrolment sites, and digitisation of more than 2.2 million records from the Registrar General’s Office.
Additionally, phase one of the NIDS went live; formal partnerships were established with the Jamaica Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Authority, Jamaica Post, and the Registrar General’s Office to support implementation; and the card personalisation system was completed.
Work was also undertaken to upgrade the ICT Authority Data Centre, with the project now 90 per cent complete.
As an electronic form of identification, NIDS will establish a comprehensive and secure database to capture and store the personal information of citizens and non-nationals residing in Jamaica.
The Office of the Prime Minister is implementing the National Identification for Economic Growth Project with funding from the Government of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank.
- JIS News
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.