By Samuel Ogunsona
The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), is set to launch a new identity system with payments for all kinds of social and financial services.
The new National Identity card is to be powered by AfriGo, a National domestic card concern.
The identity card has variable features backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke made available to Irohinoodua indicates that the card will address the demand for physical identification, enabling holders prove their identity, access government and private social services.
“The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol 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 disentranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building,” he said.
Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
He said 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.
According to him, key features that would be added includes, Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for -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.
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.