The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission, says it will unveil an “enhanced” national identity card layered with payment capabilities and social service features.
This new card, developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.
The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, announced this in a statement on Friday.
card holders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice
See the full statement, signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke:
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA UNVEILS PLANS TO LAUNCH A NEW NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD WITH PAYMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY CAPABILITIES
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
the card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, have access to multiple government interventions programs
The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
This card will address the demand for physical identification enabling card holders prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.
Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
The card is positioned as the country’s default national identity card
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, card holders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice.
The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, have access to multiple government interventions programs.
In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting card holders’ 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.
Key features will include:
- Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information
- Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard
- Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food
stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc. - Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number
- Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip.
- Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity
- Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals
Request for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide.
