The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced an enhanced National Identity Card with advanced features aimed at providing citizens with improved access to services and promoting inclusion.
Here are 10 important things to know about the new national ID card scheme:
1. Collaborative Effort:
The new national ID card scheme is a result of collaboration between the NIMC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
2. Enhanced Features:
Fortified with verifiable national identity features, the new ID card aligns with the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the issuance of a multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents.
3. Addressing Demand:
The initiative aims to meet the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to prove their identity and access both government and private social services.
4. Inclusion:
The new card is designed to promote inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empowering citizens and encouraging participation in nation-building endeavors.
5. Eligibility:
Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
6. Accessibility:
Card requests can be made online, at commercial banks, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs, or any NIMC office nationwide.
7. AfriGO Integration:
The card is powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme, ensuring seamless transactions and compatibility with existing systems.
8. International Standards:
It features a machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) passport standards.
9. Biometric Authentication:
The card utilizes biometric authentication, including fingerprints and pictures, for identity verification through the data stored on the card chip.
10. Additional Features:
Beyond basic identification, the card includes features such as travel and health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, catering to diverse needs.
With its multifaceted capabilities and enhanced accessibility, the new national ID card scheme represents a significant step towards modernizing identification systems in Nigeria and improving citizen engagement with government services.
