The Federal Government says it will soon launch a new national identity card with payment and other social service features.
Head of Corporate Communications of National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke, made these revelations in a statement in Abuja.
The new national identity card project is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, NIBSS
According to Dr Adegoke, the new national ID card is an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.
The statement reads in part:
”The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card, GMPC, to Nigerians and legal residents.
“This card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.
“Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number, NIN, will be eligible to request the 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.
Dr Adegoke said some key features of the new national identity card include, Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information, Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.
He said Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.
“Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number.
“Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip.
“Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
“Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.
He explained that the procedure for getting the new national identity card by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide.”
