FG mulls new national ID card

The Federal Government has announced plans to unveil the country’s enhanced national Identity (ID) card.

The national ID card would have payment capabilities and social service features.

The latest development was announced via a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Adegoke noted that only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

He disclosed that the new card, which will be developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.

He said the initiative aims to meet the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to verify their identity and access both government and private social services.

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The NIMC spokesman added that the new national ID card will promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and foster increased participation in nation-building endeavours.

Adegoke stated that the card will be produced according to ICAO standards, adding that it is positioned as the country’s default national ID card.

He said: “In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking them to bank accounts of their choice.

“The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programmes.

“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.”

Other features of the card include a machine-readable zone in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information, identity card Issue date and document number in line with ICAO standards, travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.

The Star