FG Introduces Revolutionary ID Card Integrating Payment, Social Service Delivery

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has unveiled an advanced identity solution featuring payment capabilities for a wide array of social and financial services. This transformative offering is set to be facilitated by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.

The newly introduced National ID card, fortified with verifiable National Identity features, draws its authority from the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. This legislation empowers the NIMC to undertake the enrollment and issuance of the General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to both Nigerians and legal residents, as affirmed in a statement released by the NIMC on Saturday.

Kayode Adegoke, the head of media at NIMC, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the card, stating, “This card will cater to the pressing need for physical identification, enabling cardholders to assert their identity, gain access to government and private social services, foster financial inclusion for marginalized Nigerians, empower citizens, and foster increased engagement in nation-building.”

A prerequisite for eligibility to obtain the card is registration as a citizen or legal resident with a National Identification Number (NIN), as clarified by Adegoke.