The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled a new multipurpose National ID card equipped with advanced features, including payment functionalities for various social and financial services. This initiative, spearheaded by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, aims to address the growing demand for secure identification solutions and streamline access to government and private sector services.
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, NIMC developed the card, which will be powered by the national domestic card, AfriGO. This innovative solution enables Nigerians to not only verify their identity but also make payments and access government services using a single card.
The newly introduced NIMC card offers citizens a convenient and secure means of identity verification, payment, and service delivery. To apply for the card, individuals are required to follow a simple process outlined by NIMC:
1. Visit Approved Centres: Applicants are advised to visit the nearest bank or bank-approved centre and request the multipurpose National ID card.
2. Provide NIN Details: Upon request, applicants must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) for identity verification and confirm they are at least 18 years old.
3. Data Verification: The bank submits the NIN details to NIMC for identity verification and receives authorized identity data in the specified format.
4. Card Preparation: Using the verified identity data, the bank securely prepares the standard Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) data for the card before sending it to a partner bureau for personalization and printing.
5. Card Issuance: Once personalized, the bank issues the finished card to the applicant, ready for use.
However, NIMC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive payment details and advises cardholders against sharing photocopies or scanned images of the card with unauthorized parties. While the card does not display the NIN visibly, it can be accessed by scanning the QR code provided.
It is important to note that only citizens who possess a National Identification Number (NIN) are eligible to obtain the new multipurpose National ID card.
As NIMC continues its efforts to enhance identity management and streamline service delivery, the introduction of the multipurpose National ID card marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, offering citizens a secure and efficient means of accessing essential services.