New Nigerian national identity card to be introduced with payment capabilities by NIMC

NIGERIA'S federal government is planning to introduce a new national identity card layered with payment capabilities and social service features that will be issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

This new card, developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme. Kayode Adegoke, the head of corporate communications at NIMC, said the new ID card, fortified with verifiable features, is supported by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the enrolment and issuance of a general multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents.

He added that the initiative aims to meet the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to verify their identity and access both government and private social services. This national ID card, according to Mr Adegoke, will also promote financial inclusion, empower citizens and foster increased participation in nation-building endeavours.

According to NIMC, only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number will be eligible to request the card. Features of the card include a machine-readable zone in conformation with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for e-passport information, identity card issue date and document number.

This is in line with ICAO standards, travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport and energy subsidies, etc. Mr Adegoke said: “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 the same to bank accounts of their choice. The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programmes.

“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.”