New National ID Card to Offer Payment and Social Service Delivery Capabilities, FG Explains

The groundbreaking initiative is being sponsored in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and aims to revolutionize access to social and financial services in the country.According to the NIMC, the card will address all problems associated with physical identification, allowing cardholders to authenticate themselves, access public and private social services and assist financially excluded Nigerians to reclaim their rights.

The NIMC explained in a statement on Friday that the National Identification Number (NIN) is a prerequisite for obtaining the card.

Key features will include:

• 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

NIMC noted that registered citizens and legal residents can request their cards through multiple channels, which would include online, any commercial bank, various participating agencies or agents, and NIMC offices nationwide.