Nigerians will soon begin using a new three-in-one identity card by August, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This multipurpose card will combine functions for identity, financial, and social services.
An official from the implementation team, who asked to remain anonymous, shared this update during an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH. The official explained that the commission has been working hard to meet its goals and is currently in the testing and deployment stage.
“We actually planned for July, although there have been a few delays. But we are still hopeful that it would come in July. So we are aiming to get it done between July and August. We are still on track, and if there is any shift, the public will know,” the official said.
Related Stories
- NIN – NIMC Halts Data Modification at Enrollment Centers, Directs Nigerians to Online Portal
- NIMC Denies Data Breach Allegations, Vows to Prosecute Offenders
Deploying new technology involves significant preparation, the official noted. “You need to configure the card, enable the outlet, and enable the wallet to work. We also have to do tests, and that is what is ongoing. The portal that people need to access the service has to be deployed, and we have to ensure it is scalable. There are integrations that all the banks need to do to enable the card, and those details are being worked on.”
On April 5, 2024, NIMC announced the launch of a new card with payment capabilities and social service features, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System. This identity solution is equipped for all types of social and financial services.
According to NIMC, this initiative represents a collaborative effort to offer increased options for domestic consumers and improve service delivery in a more innovative, cost-effective, and competitive manner. The identity cards will include a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.