In a significant leap towards digital empowerment and financial inclusion, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the auspices of the National Identity Management Commission (N.I.M.C), in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (C.B.N) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (N.I.B.S.S) launches a revolutionary National I.D card. This initiative, powered by AfriGO, the National domestic card scheme, integrates payment functionality, offering a unified solution for accessing a wide array of social and financial services.
A Multi functional Identity Solution
The initiative is grounded in the N.I.M.C Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates multipurpose card issuance. This card enables engagement with government and private sector services, enhancing citizen empowerment. Additionally, eligibility demands a National Identification Number (N.I.N), ensuring benefits for registered citizens and residents.
Bridging the Financial Inclusion Gap
This innovative card is expected to promote financial inclusion, empower citizens, and encourage increased participation in nation-building efforts. Designed to meet I.C.A.O standards, the National ID card doubles as a debit or prepaid card when linked to a bank account, extending financial services to previously excluded segments of the population. This feature aims to facilitate access to government intervention programs, highlighting the card’s role in promoting social and financial inclusion. Additionally, the new National Identity Card, produced according to International Civil Aviation Organization (I.C.A.O) standards, will serve as the country’s default national identity card.
Safeguarding Cardholder Information
Furthermore, in adherence to data protection regulations, N.I.M.C emphasizes its commitment to protecting cardholders’ personal data and ensuring compliance with international standards on data security protocols, emphasizing features that guarantee the confidentiality and safety of user data. The card will include various features such as a machine-readable zone for e-passport information, identity card issue date, and document number, in line with I.C.A.O standards, along with provisions for travel, health insurance, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies.
Enhanced Features for Comprehensive Service
The card boasts an array of features designed to cater to diverse needs:
- Machine-readable Zone (M.R.Z) compliant with I.C.A.O standards for e-passport information.
- Embedded Nigeria’s quick response code (N.Q.R) containing the national identification number for seamless identity verification.
- Bio metric authentication through fingerprints and photographs for secure transactions.
- Offline transaction capability, ensuring accessibility in areas with limited or no network infrastructure.
- The versatility of use as both a debit and prepaid card, catering to the banked and unbanked alike.
How to Obtain the New National ID Card
NIMC offices nationwide, commercial banks, and various participating agencies or agents make the new card acquisition process convenient.
With the launch of the new National ID card, Nigeria sets a new benchmark for digital identity and financial services, embodying a significant step towards a more inclusive, empowered, and digitally-enabled society.
The launch of the enhanced National Identity Card marks a significant step towards modernizing identification systems and enhancing access to essential services for Nigerians and legal residents.
For more information on the National ID card and how to apply, stay connected with official channels.
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