The National Identity Management Commission, representing the Federal Government, is poised to introduce an upgraded National Identity card with advanced payment functionalities and social service features. Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, this new card will operate on the AfriGO national domestic card scheme. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, disclosed this development in a statement issued on Friday.
This enhanced national ID card, fortified with verifiable features mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, aims to address the need for reliable physical identification. It will empower cardholders to verify their identity and access various government and private social services. Moreover, the card is expected to facilitate financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage active participation in nation-building initiatives.
As per NIMC’s directives, only registered citizens or legal residents possessing the National Identification Number will be eligible to apply for the card. The statement emphasized the card’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, positioning it as the primary national identity document.
In addition to its identification functions, cardholders will have the option to utilize the card for financial transactions by linking it to their preferred bank accounts. This multifaceted approach aims to extend access to government intervention programs, particularly to underserved individuals. NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding cardholders’ personal data in compliance with data protection regulations and international standards on data security protocols.
Notable features of the card include a machine-readable zone aligned with ICAO specifications for e-passport information, standardized identity card issue dates, and document numbers. It will also integrate various services such as travel, health insurance, microloans, agriculture support, food stamps, transportation, and energy subsidies.
