In a move to match global standards, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is set to introduce an upgraded national identity card embedded with payment functionalities tailored for diverse social and financial services.
In a statement released on Friday, Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, revealed that this innovative card is a result of collaborative efforts between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), and AfriGO, a domestic card scheme.
Built upon the mandate outlined in the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue General Multipurpose cards (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents, the enhanced National ID card will feature verifiable National Identity attributes.
According to NIMC, the primary objective of this advancement is to meet the growing demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to not only authenticate their identity but also gain access to a wide range of government and private social services. Furthermore, the initiative aims to promote financial inclusion among marginalized populations, empower citizens, and foster increased participation in nation-building efforts.
NIMC emphasized that eligibility for the card is restricted to registered citizens and legal residents possessing the National Identification Number (NIN).
Positioned as the nation’s primary identity credential, the card will be produced in accordance with international standards, including those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In addition to serving as a means for identity verification, cardholders will have the option to utilize the card as a debit or prepaid card by linking it to their preferred bank accounts.
Beyond identity verification, the card will grant access to various government intervention programs aimed at assisting eligible individuals, particularly those currently excluded from mainstream financial and social services.
NIMC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding cardholders’ personal data and ensuring compliance with stringent international data security standards.
Key features of the card include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) compliant with ICAO standards for e-passport information, Identity card Issue Date, and document number in accordance with ICAO guidelines. Additional features encompass travel and health insurance information, microloans, agricultural assistance, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.
Furthermore, the card will incorporate Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number and biometric authentication, such as fingerprints and photographs, serving as the primary means for identity verification even in areas with limited network coverage or infrastructure connectivity.
With its dual functionality as both a debit and prepaid card, the new national identity card aims to cater to the needs of both banked and unbanked individuals.
Requests for the card can be made online, at commercial banks, various participating agencies or agents, as well as NIMC offices nationwide.
