FG To Launch New National ID With NIN And Payment Features

The Federal Government is set to launch an upgraded national identity card integrated with payment features, designed to cater to various social and financial services.

Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), announced this development in a statement released on Friday.

Ths innovative card, developed in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), will be powered by AfriGO, a domestic card scheme.

The new National ID card, equipped with verifiable identity features, is mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to be issued to all Nigerians and legal residents.

NIMC emphasized that the enhanced card will meet the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to validate their identity and access both government and private social services.

Moreover, it aims to promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage greater participation in nation-building endeavors.

Eligibility for the card is limited to registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN).

“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 same to bank accounts of their choice.

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

“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,” the statement read in part.

Key features of the card include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) compliant with ICAO for e-passport information, Identity card Issue Date, and document number in accordance with ICAO standards.

Furthermore, the card will incorporate additional features such as travel and health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among others.

The card will also include Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR), containing the national identification number, along with biometric authentication features such as fingerprints and photographs for identity verification.

Offline functionality will enable transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.

Both banked and unbanked individuals will benefit from the card’s functionality as a debit and prepaid card.

NIMC has outlined that registered citizens and legal residents can request the cards online, at commercial banks, various participating agencies or agents, and NIMC offices nationwide.

KanyiDaily recalls that former Minister of Communication, Isa Pantami warned that Nigerians risked between seven to 14 years of imprisonment as prescribed by the constitution if they failed to obtain their NIN.