The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans to introduce an upgraded National Identity card integrated with payment capabilities and social service features.
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), NIMC has developed a new card powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.
Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
The new National ID card, fortified with verifiable National Identity features, is anchored on the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the enrollment and issuance of a general multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents.
This initiative aims to address the need for physical identification, enabling cardholders to verify their identity and access various government and private social services seamlessly.
Moreover, the enhanced card is expected to promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage greater participation in nation-building activities.
According to NIMC, only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to apply for the new card.
Adegoke emphasized, “The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card.
“In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking the same to bank accounts of their choice.
“The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programmes.
“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information.”
The new National ID card will feature a machine-readable zone in line with ICAO for e-passport information, identity card issue date, and document number, among other standardizations. Additionally, it will incorporate details related to travel, health insurance, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, energy subsidies, and more.
