The Nigerian government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is gearing up to introduce a new kind of ID card that can be used for both social and financial purposes.
They’ve teamed up with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for this project, tapping into the AfriGo card scheme launched by CBN in January 2023.
This new card aims to make life easier for Nigerians by serving as their identification for government and private services, as well as boosting financial inclusion for those who have been left out.
It’s all part of the NIMC Act passed in 2007, which mandates the commission to issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to citizens and legal residents.
To get this card, you need to be registered with the National Identification Number (NIN). Once you have it, you can apply for the card, which will serve as your primary national identity card, meeting international standards.
This move is expected to help more Nigerians access government support programs and financial services. Plus, the card can be linked to your bank account for easy transactions.
Nigerians can get this card through online platforms, banks, participating agencies, or NIMC offices across the country.
And to steer this whole project, the government has set up a committee called the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, aiming to create a secure digital identity for every Nigerian, which will improve services and open up opportunities in the digital world.