NIMC Announces Launch of National ID Card with Payment Functionality
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled plans to introduce a groundbreaking National ID card with integrated payment capabilities, catering to a wide array of social and financial services for registered Nigerians.
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), NIMC will roll out the multifunctional ID card, powered by NIBSS’ AfriGO, a domestic card scheme.
Expected to be a game-changer in identity verification and financial inclusion, the card will be imbued with verifiable National Identity features, mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, emphasized that the card’s issuance would be reserved for individuals with a registered National Identification Number (NIN), aligning with NIMC’s mission to empower citizens and facilitate participation in national development.
Read Also:
Designed according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the card will serve as the default national identity card, offering not only identity verification but also doubling as a debit or prepaid card when linked to bank accounts.
NIMC highlighted the card’s key features, including a machine-readable zone (MRZ) for e-passport information, biometric authentication through fingerprint and pictures, and offline capability for transactions in areas with limited network coverage.
Furthermore, the card will encompass additional functionalities such as travel, health insurance, microloans, agricultural support, food subsidies, transportation benefits, and energy assistance, enhancing access to government intervention programs.In adherence to data protection regulations and international standards on data security protocols, NIMC assured that users’ data would be safeguarded against breaches, reinforcing public trust in the initiative.
NIMC disclosed that requests for the card could be made online, at commercial banks, participating agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide, ensuring widespread accessibility.
The impending launch of the National ID card underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development, fostering financial empowerment, and advancing citizen-centric solutions to societal challenges.
 has unveiled plans to introduce a groundbreaking National ID card with integrated payment){kind=link}