The Nigerian government has announced the imminent launch of a multipurpose National ID card, which is set to revolutionize identity verification and financial transactions across the country.
This new card, powered by AfriGO, is being developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS). It aims to enhance financial inclusion by bringing over 100 million Nigerians into the banking sector, a major step considering that more than half of the country's population has been excluded from formal financial systems for a long time.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of Card Management Services at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), emphasized the card's versatility during a recent media workshop. He stated, "The general multipurpose card has so many use cases. It is premised on the NIN which is the foundational ID issued by the NIMC."
The card will facilitate Government-to-People (G2P) payments, allowing users to perform various financial transactions such as withdrawing money, making online payments, and transferring funds. This initiative is expected to streamline government interventions and services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA).
The card will also be enabled for the eNaira, Nigeria's digital currency, ensuring compliance with EMV operational and security standards. Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communication at NIMC, highlighted the card's potential to improve transparency in social contracts with citizens, stating, "If government wants to distribute palliatives to the less privileged, the card can be used to identify beneficiaries."
To obtain the card, Nigerians must have a National Identification Number (NIN) and can request the card through a self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks. The cards will be issued through banks, and applicants can choose to pick them up at designated centers or have them delivered to their requested location at an additional cost.
The rollout of this multipurpose ID card is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to strengthen national identity management and ensure data protection. As of November 2024, approximately 115 million Nigerians have been issued a NIN, reflecting significant progress in the country's identity management system.
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