The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is set to launch a new multi-purpose biometric identity card aimed at addressing social, economic, and financial challenges in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the Director General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Odusote, announced that 115 million Nigerians have so far been captured in the ongoing enrollment process.
She explained that the new identity card aligns with NIMC’s mandate to enroll Nigerians and issue a versatile identification card.
Key Features of the Card
Dr. Odusote highlighted the card’s unique features, which include biometric identification through fingerprint, a long validity period, and offline and online functionalities. The card is equipped with banking details, digital tokens, and a wallet, making it suitable for cash transactions and other financial services.
The card also allows holders to verify their identity instantly, even in areas with limited internet access. On the reverse side, additional functionalities ensure secure identification for various services.
Objectives
The initiative aims to enhance social and economic inclusion, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to Dr. Odusote, the program is designed to provide Nigerians with access to government services, financial transactions, and secure identification, ultimately lifting 133 million citizens out of poverty.
“The biometric NIN-enabled card facilitates social, economic, and financial inclusion, ensuring Nigerians can prove their identity and participate in government and private sector programs seamlessly,” she said.
Benefits to Citizens and Government
For citizens, the card offers a 3-in-1 functionality, providing instant identification, access to government services, and financial inclusion. It also eliminates the need for additional electronic devices for verification.
For the government, the card is expected to strengthen the digital economy, improve service delivery, and provide a secure platform for identifying beneficiaries of intervention programs.
Partnership and Affordability
NIMC is partnering with AFRIGO, a local card scheme, to integrate these functionalities. Dr. Odusote assured Nigerians that the card would be made available at an affordable cost.
The second phase of the program, called the Government-to-People (G2P) card, will further enhance the identification process for government intervention programs, ensuring secure and verifiable access to services.
The biometric identity card is a step towards building a more inclusive and efficient digital economy in Nigeria.