Nigerians are yet to apply for another National Identity Card as the the Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), announces plan to launch an upgraded national identity card that will have payment capabilities for all forms of social and financial services.
The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday said the innovative card is made in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), and will to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
The National ID card, which will be embedded with verifiable National Identity features, is in accordance with the provisions of NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which empowers National Identity Management Commission to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
Adegoke stated that the innovation in new national identity card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services, as well as facilitating financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens.
According to NIMC people who are qualified for this enrollment are only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN).
“The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice.
“The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government interventions programs.
“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information,” the statement read in part.
Features of the New National Identity Card
Some of the key features of the card will include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information, Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.
Other features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.
The card will also feature Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number, biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals will be part of the features of the card.
NIMC said 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 of its offices nationwide.