The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is set to introduce a new National Identity Card featuring payment and social service functionalities. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), aims to provide a comprehensive identity solution with integrated payment features.
The innovative National ID card, to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme, will be equipped with verifiable National Identity features. Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, announced this development in Abuja, highlighting the card's compliance with the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the issuance of a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
This new card is designed to meet the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, and facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians. Eligibility for the card is limited to registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN).
In addition to serving as a form of identification, the card can be used as a debit or prepaid card by linking it to a bank account. It will also enable access to various government intervention programs, including travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies. The NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders' personal data and ensuring compliance with international standards on data security protocols.
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