The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed plans to introduce a payment-integrated ID card. This initiative, overseen by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), aims to provide both social and financial services. The proposed operation includes partnerships with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), utilizing the domestic card scheme, AfriGo. The CBN originally initiated AfriGo in January 2023 to promote financial inclusivity and enhance data sovereignty.
As stated by the NIMC, the introduction of this new ID card serves various purposes. Primarily, it will facilitate the process of proving one’s identity and provide easier access to governmental and private social services. The card is also expected to contribute to financial inclusion by reaching out to underprivileged Nigerians, promoting citizen empowerment, and encouraging a widespread contribution to national development initiatives.
This initiative aligns with the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which requires NIMC to enroll Nigerians and legal residents and issue them with a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC).
The commission has made it clear that eligibility for the new card is limited to Nigerian citizens and legal residents who are registered with the National Identification Number (NIN). The proposed card will be compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and will serve as Nigeria’s main identity card.
The initiative is designed to provide access to various government welfare programs, particularly to those who are currently left out from social and financial services. Moreover, users of these new ID cards will have the ability to connect them to their preferred bank accounts and use them as either debit or prepaid cards.
Many Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with this new development, drawing attention to the tedious process involved in obtaining the existing National Identification Number (NIN). They especially highlight the long waiting times and the excessive queueing that characterizes the current system.
In response to these concerns, the NIMC has stated that registered citizens and legal residents have several avenues to acquire the new card. These channels include online platforms, commercial banks, participating agencies, agents involved in different programs, and NIMC offices across the country.
In March 2024, the federal government also announced the formation of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee. This committee is tasked with directing the strategy of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, an initiative aiming to create a secure and confirmable digital identity for every Nigerian.
By doing so, the project hopes to enhance the delivery of services and governance, opening up opportunities for expansion in the digital economy.
