Lagos, Nigeria (MANDYNEWS) — The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has announced the introduction of an innovative identity solution integrated with payment functionality.
Aligned with the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the issuance of a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents, the new National ID card features enhanced national identity features.
This multifaceted card aims to address the growing demand for physical identification, empowering cardholders to verify their identity, access government and private social services, and promote financial inclusion among underserved Nigerians. Eligibility for the card is contingent upon registration with the National Identification Number (NIN).
Crafted to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the card is poised to serve as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s national identity infrastructure. In addition to its identity verification capabilities, cardholders will have the option to leverage the card as a debit or prepaid card by seamlessly linking it to their preferred bank accounts.
In alignment with data protection regulations and public interest, NIMC remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding cardholders’ personal data and adhering to international standards on data security protocols.
Key features of the new National ID card include:
- Compliance with Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) standards established by ICAO for e-passport information
- Inclusion of identity card issue date and document number in accordance with ICAO norms
- Additional features encompassing travel, health insurance details, microloans, agricultural subsidies, food stamps, transportation benefits, energy subsidies, and more
- Integration of Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number
- Adoption of biometric authentication mechanisms, including fingerprints and photographs, as the primary means for identity verification via the card chip’s data
- Offline functionality enabling transactions in areas with limited network coverage or no infrastructure connectivity
- Dual functionality as a debit and prepaid card, catering to the diverse needs of both banked and unbanked individuals
Registered citizens and legal residents can seamlessly request the card through online platforms, commercial banks, participating agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide.
