NIMC PARTNERS WITH NIBSS FOR IMPROVED NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD WITH PAYMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY CAPABILITIES
NIMC PARTNERS WITH NIBSS FOR IMPROVED NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD WITH PAYMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY CAPABILITIES
ALIMOTU SHADIAT
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through AFRIGOPAY Financial Services, is set to launch an improved national identity card layered with payment capabilities and functionalities to deliver social service programmes in April 2024.
The AfriGO, which was launched as a national domestic card scheme by the Central Bank of Nigeria through AFRIGOPAY Financial Services to perform domestic transactions within Nigeria like existing debit cards, will drive this initiative.
This newly improved national identity card, integrated with capabilities to facilitate payments and deliver social service programmes, operates under the mandate of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, obliges the NIMC to enroll and distribute General Multipurpose Cards (GMPC) to Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
The card responds to the need for physical identity tokens, allowing cardholders to authenticate their identity, access government and private services, and promote financial inclusion among marginalized Nigerians, fostering citizen empowerment and enhancing engagement in national development endeavors.
Only citizens and legal residents with a National Identification Number (NIN) are eligible to apply for the card, which can be requested at any commercial bank branch, via online portals accessible through banks’ web and mobile applications, other designated centres or at any NIMC office nationwide.
Cardholders will have the flexibility to link the card to their preferred bank account (the card functions as a debit, credit, or prepaid card) for payments, and activate same for access to multiple social programmes being driven by the Federal Government.
The card will be valid for a period of five (5) years from the issuance date.The NIMC upholds its commitment to safeguarding the personal data and privacy of all cardholders, adhering to international standards and best practices in data security.
The card is equipped with security features designed to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user information.
Key features of the card include:-
-Biometric authentication, including fingerprint and photograph, for identity verification
– Offline capability enabling transactions in areas with limited network coverage- Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) containing e-passport information
– Identity Card Issue Date displayed on the card- Additional features encompassing travel, health, insurance information, and other pertinent personal data for identification and verification stored in the chip
– Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals
For further details regarding the National ID card project, please visit [www.nimc.gov.ng]
