The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has unveiled plans to roll out payment-integrated ID, tailored for social and financial services. This initiative, a collaboration between the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will harness the capabilities of AfriGo, a domestic card scheme, to facilitate its operations.
The announcement builds upon the foundation laid by the CBN’s launch of AfriGo in January 2023, designed to drive financial inclusion and bolster data sovereignty. Leveraging AfriGo’s infrastructure, the new payment-integrated ID card is poised to revolutionize identity verification processes, providing cardholders with seamless access to government and private social services while promoting financial inclusion for marginalized segments of the Nigerian population.
According to the NIMC, the multifaceted functionalities of the new card will address the imperative for physical identification, empowering citizens to assert their identity credentials confidently. Furthermore, the card is envisioned to serve as a catalyst for greater participation in nation-building endeavors, thereby fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.
The initiative is in line with the provisions of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates the commission to enroll and issue General Multipurpose Cards (GMPCs) to both Nigerian citizens and legal residents. Eligibility for the card is contingent upon registration with the National Identification Number (NIN), ensuring compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) while serving as the primary national identity card for the country.
However, the announcement has stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some expressing concerns about the perceived challenges associated with the current NIN registration process, including queuing and delays. In response, the NIMC has clarified that registered citizens and legal residents will have multiple avenues to obtain the cards, including online platforms, commercial banks, participating agencies, agents in various programs, and NIMC offices nationwide.
In a related development, the federal government recently inaugurated the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee in March 2024. This strategic committee will provide guidance on the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, aimed at establishing a secure and verifiable digital identity for every Nigerian. The project’s overarching goal is to enhance service delivery, governance efficiency, and spur growth in the digital economy, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of digital transformation on the continent.
The payment-integrated ID card and the Digital ID4D Project marks a major achievement in the country’s quest for enhanced identity management, financial inclusion, and socio-economic development.