The soon-to-be-launched card aims to bring better access to essential services, such as financial inclusion, government interventions, and job applications, providing Nigerians with a simplified, reliable identification system.

One advantage of the new ID card is its potential to drive financial inclusion. With over 100 million Nigerians currently excluded from the formal banking system, the new card will bring a good portion of the population into the fold. 

It will serve as a gateway for Nigerians to open bank accounts, access credit facilities, and request either debit or credit cards, with the added benefit of building a verifiable credit score. This development will make it easier for citizens to secure loans from both government and private financial institutions.

This innovation is backed by a partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which will work together to establish reliable credit scores for all Nigerians who have registered their National Identification Number (NIN). 

The integration of credit scores with the NIN will simplify access to loans and other financial services, greatly easing financial transactions for many Nigerians.

Again, the new National ID card will be a mandatory requirement for applying for jobs in both government and private sectors. This step aims to ensure that employers can confidently verify the identity of job applicants, giving them a clear and accurate view of an individual’s background. 

With the NIN card serving as an official identification, this process will help eliminate fraud and ensure greater transparency in hiring practices.

The ID card will also simplify a range of administrative functions. It will be accepted as a valid form of identification for essential services, such as voter registration and passport applications.

The simplicity of presenting a single card for these services will save time and reduce bureaucracy, ensuring that Nigerians can access services without unnecessary delays.

Added to these, the NIN card will help in the distribution of government interventions, helping to ensure that only eligible citizens receive social benefits. 

As part of the government’s vision to reduce corruption and improve transparency, the card will provide a secure means for accessing various government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the National ID card will also be compatible with Nigeria’s digital currency, the eNaira. 

This will allow cardholders to make digital transactions securely, further integrating the ID card into the nation’s growing financial ecosystem.

Dr. Peter Iwegbu, head of Card Management Services at NIMC, confirmed that the distribution of the new cards will begin shortly, with plans in place for decentralised access through banks nationwide. 

Nigerians will be able to request and collect their cards at local bank branches, and the NIMC will ensure that the pricing remains consistent across institutions.

This initiative is expected to increase transparency, reduce fraud, and promote financial inclusion.

In a recent statement, NIMC emphasized that these entities would undergo comprehensive security vetting to adhere to global best practices in identity management.

This initiative aligns with the vision of NIMC’s Director-General/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who has prioritized data security and regulatory compliance since assuming office in August 2023. The commission is collaborating with relevant security agencies to maintain the highest standards in data protection.

NIMC has temporarily stopped the bypass enrollment process to prevent misuse and address irregularities. The commission plans to update the public on the resumption of this process once the necessary adjustments are made.

In response to numerous reports of fraudulent platforms soliciting personal information for National Identification Number (NIN) modification or enrollment services, NIMC has authorized law enforcement agencies to stop and apprehend those involved in online phishing schemes. 

“The commission has received numerous reports regarding fraudulent online platforms compelling Nigerians to submit their personal information for National Identification Number (NIN) modification or enrollment services, noting that perpetrators of these illegal activities will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” stated Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications.

NIMC’s enhanced security measures are designed to safeguard the National Identity Database from unauthorized access and insider threats. Any FEPs found in violation of these protocols will face strict sanctions under national laws and established regulations.

Earlier this year, a major breach involving the website XpressVerify.com exposed the vulnerabilities in data protection. The site had unrestricted access to NIMC’s database and sold digital identity numbers and personal information for a nominal fee, prompting investigations by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the national digital ID program, Engr. Coker-Odusote recently engaged with the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population to discuss challenges and strategies for improving enrollment processes.

Through these measures, NIMC is fighting to protect citizens’ data and provide secure identity services, ensuring a solid framework for Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.

The national identity solution, Techeconomy gathered, is for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said that the new scheme is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The National ID card, he said, is layered with verifiable National Identity features and backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.

“The new National ID 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. 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”.

Key features of Nigeria’s new ID will 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
• 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

“Request for cards 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”, Adegoke said.