DAR ES SALAAM residents have lauded National Identification Authority (NIDA) for upgrading its customer service centre which now features updated hotline numbers designed to address inquiries more effectively.

They have welcomed the initiative, saying it is a significant step towards better customer engagement and satisfaction to reflect NIDA’s commitment to addressing needs Tanzanians.

The commendations came few days after NIDA announced the enhancements, including significant digital upgrades to the customer service centre and an increase in the number of service providers to reach a broader audience.

One of traders at Mabibo Market Yassin Chuma said NIDA's improvements enable Tanzanians to access their personal information being processed by the authority. He noted that for traders, particularly small business owners, the enhancements were timely due to the demand for NIDA numbers for various uses.

"This information comes at a crucial time when many people lack NIDA numbers or identification cards. The introduction of hotline will assist those who have not registered to reach out to service providers for guidance," he said.

Atupele Mwakalinga, a university student, said that the new NIDA hotline will significantly assist students to obtain loans from the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) as having a NIDA number is one of the eligibility criteria for securing loans.

"Many students are unable to obtain higher education loans due to lack of NIDA number or identification card. The introduction of this customer service hotline will help students acquire their NIDA numbers or identification cards, enabling them to access loans," Mwakalinga said.

Anna Msuya, a resident of Kigamboni, said that the improvements would be beneficial since some people do not have the time to visit the authority's offices, thus saving time and costs.

"Nowadays things are processed digitally. The enhancements at NIDA have come at the right time, and this will help address various needs of citizens in a timely manner," she said.

Geofrey Tengeneza, NIDA spokesman and Head of Public Relations, recently said that they had launched an online registration system, allowing citizens to initiate registration process via website and enabling them to track status of their applications.

He added that the enhancements include changes to phone numbers, with the new contact number being 023221 0500 ( TTCL) that will be in use  effective October 28, 2024, meaning other previous numbers from various networks will no longer be in use from that date.

"Some challenges will be addressed in real-time by our service personnel when a client calls while others will be recorded and addressed based on individual needs," Tengeneza said, noting that registration process for new customers was ongoing. Eligible people who have not yet registered can do so via website and their applications will be processed.

He called on all eligible Tanzanians to visit the nearest NIDA offices to register and obtain identification card, emphasizing that ID is a right of every citizen.