Federal Government Plans Launch of New National Identity Card with Payment Capabilities – NIMC

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has finalized plans to introduce a new National Identity Card that incorporates payment and other social service features.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The NIMC has launched an innovative identity solution that includes payment functionality for various social and financial services. The project will be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.

The National ID card, which is supported by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, aims to provide a reliable means of identification, grant access to government and private social services, promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage active participation in nation-building. Only registered citizens and legal residents with a National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to apply for the card.

The card will adhere to ICAO standards and will serve as the country’s primary national identity card. Additionally, cardholders will have the option to link their cards to their bank accounts, enabling them to use it as a debit or prepaid card.

This initiative aims to provide access to government intervention programs for individuals who are financially excluded from social and financial services. NIMC is committed to safeguarding the personal information of cardholders in accordance with data protection regulations and public interest.