FG to Introduce Enhanced National ID Card with Payment, Social Service Features
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) under the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the forthcoming release of an upgraded National Identity card, incorporating payment capabilities and social service features.
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, the new card will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme, as disclosed by Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, in a statement released on Friday.
Built upon the framework of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the enrollment and issuance of a multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents, this advanced ID card aims to address the need for reliable physical identification. It will enable cardholders to verify their identity and access both government and private social services.
The initiative is expected to drive financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage greater participation in national development initiatives. According to NIMC, only registered citizens and legal residents possessing the National Identification Number will qualify for the card.
In addition to serving as a national identity card, it will function as a debit or prepaid card, linked to the cardholder’s chosen bank account. This multi-faceted approach seeks to extend access to various government intervention programs, particularly targeting those marginalized from financial and social services.
NIMC reassures the public of its commitment to data protection, promising compliance with international standards on data security protocols to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of users’ information. The card will feature a machine-readable zone conforming to ICAO standards, facilitating access to travel, health insurance, microloans, agricultural subsidies, and more.
