NIDA, RITA and Airtel urged to work together to serve citizens

UBUNGO: Ubungo District Commissioner Albert Msando has directed the National Identification Authority (NIDA), the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) and Airtel Tanzania to work together to ensure citizens obtain the necessary identification documents required to register SIM cards and access digital services.

Msando issued the directive during the launch of the new Airtel Shekilango outlet under the “Airtel Kila Kona” (Airtel Everywhere) campaign, stressing that the lack of identification documents is preventing many citizens from accessing essential communication services.

He cited the example of a young man he met at the event who received a mobile phone as a gift but was unable to register a SIM card because he did not possess a NIDA ID card or the required identification documents.

According to Msando, the situation is a challenge that must be addressed urgently as it denies citizens access to vital services while also causing telecommunications companies such as Airtel to lose potential customers.

He instructed NIDA, RITA, district leaders and Airtel to develop a joint strategy to identify citizens without the required documents, facilitate the issuance of identification credentials and enable them to legally access telecommunications services.

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Msando also commended Airtel Tanzania for its continued investment in the country through the “Airtel Kila Kona” campaign, noting that the company—of which the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania owns a 49 per cent stake—has continued to contribute to national development through dividend payments and investments in telecommunications infrastructure.

The District Commissioner further announced a new partnership between the Ubungo District Commissioner’s Office and Airtel aimed at reaching various community groups, particularly motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) riders and market traders.

He said bodaboda riders in Kimara Ward will benefit from special smartphone and Airtel data bundle offers. He also directed the company to expand its services to markets, bodaboda stations and other busy commercial areas to ensure the “Airtel Kila Kona” initiative is implemented effectively throughout Ubungo District.