The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), will introduce an upgraded national identity card with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.
The innovative card, made in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), is to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
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The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by 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 NIMC, the innovation will address the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services.
It will also facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, and encourage increased participation in nation-building.
NIMC noted that 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. 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, to have access to multiple government interventions programs.
“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 statement read in part.
Key features of the card will include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformance 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, among others.
The card will also feature 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 will be part of the features of the card.
NIMC said requests for cards from 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 of its offices nationwide.