Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, says the country’s mission was in the process of discussing with the South African government to recognise a Nigerian identity card.

Ajulu-Okeke made this known in Johannesburg at the inauguration of the identity card by the Nigeria Union in South Africa.

She said the Consulate approved the identity card to identify Nigerian citizens in South Africa.

“ The Consulate is in the process of discussing with the government of South Africa to accord it recognition so that we reduce the incidents of loss of Nigerian passports.

“All the information contained in the passport are in the identity card,“ she said.

Okeke said she would meet officials of the South African government in early August to discuss the recognition of the identity card.

According to the Consul General, the identity card will give Nigerians dignity and respect when they meet other nationals.

She, however, urged Nigerians not to abuse the identity card by engaging in illegal acts with it.

Ajulu-Okeke also commended the Nigeria Union for initiating a monthly publication, The NaiRand, and urged the publishers to focus on stories about Nigerians in South Africa.

The President of Nigeria Union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, said the identity card was approved by the Consulate General to identify Nigerians in that country.

He said the card had all the details in the Nigerian passport and would ensure easier identification.

“ By the time the project is concluded, we will be able know how many we are and how our people are contributing to the economic and social development of South Africa.

“We call on Nigerians to embrace this card for easier identification,“ he said.

Anyene also said that the monthly publication would be the mouth piece for Nigerians and project what they are doing to take Africa to the next level.