The Nigeria government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is set to unveil a new and improved national identity card. This card will come with built-in payment capabilities and access to various social services.
Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, the new card will be powered by AfriGO, a domestic card scheme.
The announcement was made by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications for NIMC, in a statement released on Friday.
The new card will be a secure form of identification, meeting international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It will also function as a debit or prepaid card, allowing users to link it to their preferred bank accounts.
This initiative aims to address the need for physical identification and streamline access to government and private social services. The card is expected to promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage participation in national development efforts.
Only registered citizens and legal residents with a National Identification Number will be eligible to apply for the card.
Here's a breakdown of the card's functionalities:
Payments: The card can be used as a debit or prepaid card when linked to a bank account.
Social Services: Eligible individuals, particularly those who are financially excluded, can use the card to access various government programs.
Data Protection: NIMC is committed to safeguarding cardholders' personal data and ensuring compliance with international data security protocols.
Additional Features
The card will also include:
A machine-readable zone compatible with ICAO standards for e-passport information.
Identity card details like issue date and document number, adhering to ICAO standards.
Capacity to store travel and health insurance information.
Potential future uses for microloans, agricultural programs, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies (subject to further development).
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