The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is set to introduce an upgraded National Identity card equipped with payment capabilities and social service features.

Developed in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, the new card will be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.

The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, made this announcement in a statement on Friday.

This enhanced national ID card, fortified with verifiable National Identity features, is in compliance with the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the enrollment and issuance of a multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents.

The initiative aims to fulfill the need for physical identification, allowing cardholders to verify their identity and access both government and private social services.

Additionally, the card is expected to promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage increased participation in nation-building activities.According to NIMC, only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number will be eligible to apply for the card.

The statement read, “The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards is positioned as the country’s default national identity card.

“In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking the same 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.”

Additional features of the card include a machine-readable zone in conformity with ICAO for e-passport information, identity card issue date, and document number, aligning with ICAO standards.

It will also include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.

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