In a groundbreaking development, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is poised to introduce an advanced national identity card embedded with payment functionality .
The government added that it would have an array of social service features aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusion for all Nigerians.
The announcement, made by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, heralds the launch of an innovative card designed in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), powered by the AfriGO National domestic card scheme.
The forthcoming National ID card, fortified with verifiable identity features, aligns with the provisions of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the commission to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to both Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
According to NIMC, the multifaceted card will cater to the pressing need for physical identification, enabling cardholders to authenticate their identity and access a spectrum of government and private social services.
Moreover, it aims to foster financial inclusion, empowering marginalized Nigerians and fostering their active participation in nation-building endeavors.
Crucially, only registered citizens and legal residents possessing the National Identification Number (NIN) will qualify to request the card, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the identity verification process.
In addition to serving as the nation’s default national identity card, the card will double as a debit or prepaid card, allowing users to link it to their preferred bank accounts.
This multifunctionality extends its utility beyond identification purposes, facilitating access to various government intervention programs and financial services for eligible individuals, including those historically excluded from such opportunities.
In adherence to data protection regulations and international standards on data security protocols, NIMC said it pledges to safeguard cardholders’ personal information, ensuring confidentiality and the integrity of users’ data.
Key features of the card include compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, machine-readable zone (MRZ) for e-passport information, offline capability for transactions in areas with limited network coverage, and biometric authentication through fingerprint and picture verification.
Furthermore, the card will incorporate Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR), housing vital information such as the national identification number, thereby streamlining identity verification processes.
NIMC has outlined multiple channels through which registered citizens and legal residents can request the card, including online platforms, commercial banks, participating agencies, and NIMC offices nationwide, ensuring widespread accessibility and convenience.
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