The Presidency on Wednesday outlined the benefits of the soon-to-be-launched National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) multipurpose ID card, emphasizing its importance for Nigerians.
In a sensitization video shared via President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on X, the Presidency stated that the card will serve as a gateway to government interventions, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in social contracts with citizens.
Access to loans: The card will enable holders to access loans from government and financial institutions, backed by verifiable credit scores generated from their financial histories. This feature is being facilitated through a partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to develop a robust credit scoring system for National Identification Number (NIN) holders.
Financial inclusion: With over half of Nigeria’s population excluded from the banking sector, the ID card is expected to integrate more than 100 million Nigerians into the financial system. The card also offers the flexibility of serving as a credit or debit card, further encouraging financial inclusion.
Employment and identity verification: Beyond its current role as a prerequisite for passports and driver’s licenses, the NIN will now be mandatory for applications to government and private sector jobs. This will help employers verify the authenticity and background of applicants, ensuring they are legitimate citizens without questionable records.
Seamless access to government services: The card will be enabled for eNaira payments and integrated with various government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), making it a one-stop solution for identity verification and access to public services.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, disclosed at a recent media workshop in Lagos that the multipurpose cards will be available in the coming weeks. Sample test cards have been received, and distribution has been decentralized to make the process easier for Nigerians.
Decentralized requests and collection: Nigerians will be able to request the card at their nearest bank. NIMC has partnered with banks across the country to ensure seamless distribution. The cards will also be issued at a uniform price nationwide.
Optional issuance: While the NIN remains mandatory for every Nigerian, obtaining the physical multipurpose card will be optional and available upon request.
The multipurpose card, powered by AfriGO in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), boasts advanced functionalities:
- Identity verification: It serves as a secure means of identification across sectors.
- Payment solutions: The card is compliant with EMV operational and security standards and supports eNaira transactions.
- Government Interventions: It enables access to government programs and services.
The launch of the NIMC multipurpose ID card represents a significant stride toward digitization, financial inclusion, and streamlined access to public and private sector services. As the Presidency has emphasized, the card will play a vital role in fostering transparency, empowering citizens financially, and strengthening national identity management.
