The Nigerian Government, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has introduced a groundbreaking identity solution integrated with payment functionality.
This innovative initiative, powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme, aims to facilitate access to a wide range of social and financial services for all citizens.
The Head, Corporate Communications, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke in a statement disclosed that 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.
According to Mr Adegoke, “this card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to 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, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card.”
He said; “In addition to this functionality, cardholders 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 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.”
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) contains the national identification number, with biometric authentication such as fingerprints and pictures serving as the primary means of identity verification through the data on the card chip. The card also features offline capability, enabling transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
Additionally, the card functions as a debit and prepaid card, catering to both banked and unbanked individuals. Registered citizens and legal residents can request cards online, at any commercial bank, participating agencies or agents in various programs, or at NIMC offices nationwide.
For further information, please visit www.nimc.gov.ng.