FG Set to Introduce New National ID Card with Payment and Social Features

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), will introduce an upgraded national identity card equipped with payment capabilities for various social and financial services.

Powered by AfriGO, a domestic card scheme, this innovative card will incorporate verifiable national identity features mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. According to Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the card aims to meet the demand for physical identification and facilitate access to government and private services.

It will adhere to ICAO standards, functioning as both a national identity card and a debit/prepaid card linked to users’ bank accounts. With a focus on data protection and compliance with international standards, NIMC emphasizes the confidentiality and security of cardholders’ information.

Key features include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) for e-passport data, Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) for identification, biometric authentication, and offline transaction capability.

The card will provide access to various government intervention programs, catering to both banked and unbanked individuals. Requests for the card can be made online, at commercial banks, participating agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide.