Nigerians who have registered for a National Identification Number (NIN) will soon be able to request a National ID card with payment functionality for all kinds of social and financial services, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The ID card will be powered by NIBSS’s AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme, and will be introduced by NIMC in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
The National ID card, which is loaded with verifiable National Identity features, is supported by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which requires NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents, according to a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
According to NIMC, the card will meet the need for physical identification, allowing cardholders to authenticate themselves, gain access to public and private social services, help disenfranchised Nigerians become financially included, empower the populace, and promote greater engagement in nation-building.
“The National Identification Number (NIN) must be obtained by registered citizens and lawful permanent residents in order to request the card.”
“The card is intended to serve as the nation’s default national identity card and will be manufactured in compliance with ICAO requirements. Along with this feature, users will be able to attach their cards to any bank account to use them as debit or prepaid cards.”
“The card will facilitate access to various government intervention programmes for eligible individuals, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged and cannot access social and financial services,” according to NIMC.
In order to maintain the confidentiality and security of user information, NIMC promised that cardholder data would be appropriately protected in accordance with data protection laws and the public interest. The company would also make sure that data security measures adhered to internationally recognised standards.
As per NIMC, the card will incorporate the following key features:
- Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) adhering to ICAO standards for e-passport details.
- Inclusion of Identity card Issue Date and document number in accordance with ICAO standard.
- Additional functionalities encompass travel, health insurance details, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.
- Integration of Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) featuring the national identification number.
- Biometric authentication, including fingerprint and images, serving as the primary means for identity verification via data stored on the card chip.
- Offline capability enabling transactions in areas with limited or no network coverage.
- Dual functionality as a debit and prepaid card, catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.
Furthermore, NIMC stated that requests for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be facilitated online, through commercial banks, various participating agencies or agents involved in multiple programs, and/or any NIMC office nationwide.
