FG Launches Revolutionary National ID with Integrated Payment and Social Service Features

AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme, will power the Federal Government’s innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all social and financial services. 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched this solution.

The National ID card, which is loaded with verifiable National Identity features, is supported by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which requires NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents, according to a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.

The card, according to the statement, will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

“Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

“The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice.

“The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government intervention programs.

“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information,” it said.

The identification card issue date, document number, and Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in accordance with ICAO regulations for e-passport information will be the primary elements of the card.

Extra features on the card will include travel, health insurance details, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transportation, energy subsidies, and more.

The national identity number of Nigeria is contained in the quick response code, or NQR.

Additional characteristics include the capacity to conduct transactions offline in places with spotty network coverage or no infrastructure connectivity, and biometric authentication—such as fingerprint and photo identification—as the primary means of confirming an individual’s identity using the information on the card chip. [CONTINUE READING HERE]