By Lamin Njie
The Communications Officer at the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS) has disclosed that the Ministry, in partnership with the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), has successfully coordinated the issuance of National Identity Cards to civil servants and pensioners nationwide an exercise that generated nearly two million dalasis for the government.
Speaking to the press over the weekend as the team concluded the second and final phase of the nationwide initiative, Mr. Lamin B. Darboe revealed that a total of D1,867,500.00 was generated from both phases. Of this amount, D1,800,900.00 was collected during the first phase alone, placing the total revenue close to the two-million-dalasi
Mr. Darboe, who was assigned by his Ministry to oversee the coordination of the ID card issuance exercise, explained that the process commenced in Banjul on September 10, 2025, and concluded on November 21, 2025, in the Kanifing Municipality (KM).
He outlined the number of applicants registered during the first phase (10 September–20 October 2025) as follows Banjul: 397, Kanifing Municipality: 530, West Coast Region: 712, Lower River Region: 547, Central River Region: 618, Upper River Region: 676 and North Bank Region: 522
“During the second phase, held exclusively in KM from 10–21 November 2025, a total of 148 applicants were registered, generating D66,600.00,” he added.
Mr. Darboe further explained that the primary objectives of the exercise were to support the upcoming census of civil servants and pensioners by ensuring that all personnel possess valid national identification cards and to strengthen payroll integrity and overall personnel management within the public service.
He noted that the team comprised five officers three from the Gambia Immigration Department and two from the Ministry of Public Service and that the exercise recorded strong participation in all regions.
Mr. Darboe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Gambia Immigration Department and other key stakeholders to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the public service database.
On behalf of the Ministry, he expressed appreciation to the Regional Governors and Regional Education Directorates for their cooperation throughout the process. He also extended gratitude to the World Bank, through the Central Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU) under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, for financing the entire exercise.
Finally, Mr. Darboe commended Permanent Secretaries Pateh Jah and Sheriff Jallow of the Ministry of Public Service, as well as Officer Commanding Momodou Jarra Jallow of the Kanifing Immigration Office, for the guidance and support they provided throughout the exercise.
