The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a collaborative effort spearheaded by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has unveiled a new National ID card. This groundbreaking identity solution, powered by the national domestic card scheme AfriGO, integrates payment functionality alongside various social and financial services, marking a significant leap in Nigeria’s push for digital inclusion and financial empowerment.
A Multipurpose National ID
Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, in a recent statement, outlined that this National ID card comes with verifiable National Identity features. As per the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the NIMC is tasked with enrolling Nigerians and legal residents and issuing a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC). This initiative is not merely about identification; it’s about inclusivity, enabling cardholders to affirm their identity, access a broad spectrum of government and private social services, foster financial inclusion, empower the citizenry, and bolster national development.
Eligibility and Functionality
The eligibility for acquiring this card is tied to the National Identification Number (NIN), ensuring that only registered citizens and legal residents can benefit from this service. Designed to meet ICAO standards, the card serves as the de facto national identity card for Nigeria. Beyond its primary function, it doubles as a debit or prepaid card, allowing holders to link it to their bank accounts, thus enabling financial transactions.
One of the cardinal aims of this initiative is to bridge the financial inclusion gap by granting disenfranchised Nigerians access to an array of social and financial services. This includes government intervention programs designed to uplift financially excluded segments of the society.
Data Protection and Security
In adherence to data protection regulations and the public interest, the NIMC has committed to safeguarding cardholders’ personal data. This commitment extends to complying with international standards on data security protocols, ensuring the confidentiality and safety of users’ information are paramount.
Advanced Features for Enhanced Utility
The National ID card is equipped with several advanced features aimed at maximizing utility for its holders. These include a Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) that aligns with ICAO standards for e-passport information, an identity card Issue Date, and a document number. Additional functionalities span across travel, health insurance, microloans, agricultural support, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, enhancing the card’s versatility.
Furthermore, the integration of Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) that contains the national identification number, biometric authentication capabilities such as fingerprint and picture verification, and an offline transaction feature, position the National ID card as a cornerstone for a wide array of everyday applications. This ensures transactions can be carried out seamlessly, even in regions with limited or no network infrastructure.
This innovative National ID initiative represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards digital transformation, promising to redefine the landscape of financial and social services in the country. Through this multipurpose identity solution, the Federal Government aims to pave the way for a more inclusive, empowered, and digitally savvy Nigeria.
