The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has Unveiled plans to launch an upgraded National Identity card that incorporates payment capabilities and social service features.
In simple terms, Nigerians can now have a single card that doubles as both an ATM and an identity card.
The innovation is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
This enhanced card will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.
The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke revealed this initiative in a statement released on Friday on the commission’s official X handle.
He noted that the national ID card to be 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 as well as legal residents.
In addition to promoting financial inclusion, empowerment of citizens, and encouraging participation in nation-building endeavors, the innovation aims to address the need for physical identification, enabling cardholders to verify their identity and access both government and private social services.
According to the statement, The card will feature an ICAO-compliant machine-readable zone for e-passport information and include essential details such as identification card issue date and document number.
It will also facilitate access to services like travel, health insurance, microloans, agricultural support, food stamps, transportation, and energy subsidies, among others.
To be eligible for this card, individuals must be registered citizens or legal residents possessing the National Identification Number.
Finally, the statement noted that 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.
