The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has introduced an upgraded National Identity Card embedded with payment capabilities and social service features.
This innovative initiative, developed through a joint effort involving NIMC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), aims to provide citizens and legal residents with a comprehensive identification solution.
Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, unveiled the enhanced card in a statement released on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Fortified with advanced identity verification features, the new national ID card is authorized under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the enrollment and issuance of a multifunctional card to Nigerians and legal residents.
This initiative seeks to address the growing demand for secure identification, enabling cardholders to authenticate their identity and access various government and private social services.
Moreover, the enhanced card is poised to enhance inclusion for marginalized segments of the population, empowering citizens and fostering increased engagement in nation-building activities.
Here are 10 key highlights of the new national ID card scheme introduced by NIMC:
- Eligibility for the card is limited to registered citizens and legal residents possessing the National Identification Number (NIN).
- Requests for the card can be made online, at commercial banks, participating agencies or agents, and NIMC offices nationwide.
- The card operates on AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.
- It features a machine-readable Zone (MRZ) compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for passport information.
- Identity card Issue Date and document number adhere to ICAO standards.
- The card includes Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number.
- It boasts offline capabilities, enabling transactions in areas with limited network coverage or infrastructure connectivity.
- The card functions as both a debit and prepaid card, catering to banked and unbanked individuals alike.
- Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, serves as the primary means of identity verification through the card chip.
- Additional features encompass travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.
The introduction of this advanced national ID card signifies a significant step towards enhancing identity management and facilitating access to essential services for Nigerians and legal residents nationwide.
