Govt plans new national identity card with payment, social service features

The Federal Government will soon launch a new national identity card with payment and other social service features.

The new national identity card project is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, NIBSS.

According to the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, the new national ID card is an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.

The project would be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.

The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke, made these revelations in a statement in Abuja.

The statement read: ”The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card, GMPC, to Nigerians and legal residents.

“This card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

“Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number, NIN, will be eligible to request the card.

“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 noted some key features of the new national identity card:

“Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information.

“Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.

“Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.

“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.

The statement explained the procedure for getting the new national identity card.

“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 NIMC offices nationwide.”