Federal Government to Unveil Revolutionary National Identity Card with Payment Ability and Special Features

 In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has announced plans to introduce a cutting-edge National Identity Card with integrated payment and social service delivery capabilities.

This innovative identity solution, powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme, will revolutionize the way Nigerians access social and financial services. Backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the card will serve as a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) for both citizens and legal residents, providing verifiable national identity features.

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Key features of the new National ID card include:

- Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) conforming with international standards for e-passport information.

- Integration of travel, health insurance, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, among other services.

- Biometric authentication using fingerprint and pictures for identity verification.

- Offline capability for transactions in areas with limited network coverage.

- Dual functionality as a debit or prepaid card, catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.

This initiative aims to address the demand for physical identification, facilitate financial inclusion, and empower citizens while encouraging their participation in nation-building efforts. Only registered individuals with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

To ensure data protection and compliance with international standards on data security protocols, NIMC remains committed to safeguarding cardholders' personal information.

The National ID card will be available for request online, at commercial banks, various agencies, agents participating in multiple programs, and NIMC offices nationwide.

For further details, visit [www.nimc.gov.ng](http://www.nimc.gov.ng).