Written By: Jacobs Dunga, Lagos
The federal government of Nigeria has rolled out plans to launch a new national identity card that will have multiple functions.
In a press release by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it was revealed that the government has put plans in place to enable Nigerians to have access to government and private social accesses, be able to facilitate financial inclusion, and for the empowerment of citizens et al.
The exercise, according to the communique will be open to registered citizens only or legal residents who have National Identification Numbers (NIN).
ICAO standards will be adopted in the production of the cards.
The card will be able to serve as a debit or credit card while having it linked to bank accounts.
NIMC however assures the public of proper data protection and accountability while meeting international standards on data security protocols.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.”
Read the statement as released by NIMC:
“The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
OThis card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders 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.
The key features of the card as explained in detail by NIMC include:
“• Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for -passport information
• Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard
• Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.
Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number
• Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, is the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip.
• Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
•Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.”
The body added that requests will be made available online, at commercial banks, certified agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
