The Nigerian government, through the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has announced plans to launch an upgraded national identity card with multipurpose function.
According to NIMC, the new ID card has 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.
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 the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
NIMC noted that 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, as well as encourage increased participation in nation- building.
NIMC revealed that only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
Below are 10 important things you should know about the new national ID card.
1. Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
2. 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.
3. It’s powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
4. It has a machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for -passport information.
5. It’s identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.
6. It has Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number.
7. It has offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
8. It can function as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.
9. It has biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip.
10. Its additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.
