In recent updates regarding national identity management in Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled a new enhanced national identity card, which will be exclusively issued to applicants by their banks. This move marks a significant step in leveraging technology to streamline identity verification processes and enhance access to various services for Nigerian citizens. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), responsible for this initiative, announced the implementation of the new national identity card issuance through a collaborative effort with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
This collaborative effort underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing identity management systems and integrating them into crucial sectors such as banking and social services. The journey of Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) dates back to its establishment in 2007 by the NIMC Act. The primary objective was to create and manage a reliable and secure national identity database for Nigeria. Over the years, NIMC has played a pivotal role in registering citizens and issuing unique identification numbers through the National Identification Number (NIN) system.
Integrating the new ID card system into various needs.
Since its inception, NIMC has registered over 100 million citizens, highlighting the significant progress made in expanding the national identity database and enhancing citizen identification capabilities. The NIN serves as a foundational element in the identity verification ecosystem, facilitating access to various government and private sector services. The integration of NIMC’s identity management infrastructure with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has further strengthened identity verification processes and paved the way for innovative solutions such as the enhanced national identity card with payment capabilities.
This collaboration reflects a strategic approach to leveraging existing financial infrastructure for identity-related services, promoting efficiency and accessibility for citizens. The newly launched enhanced national identity card, developed through the collaboration between NIMC, CBN, and NIBSS, introduces advanced features aimed at meeting citizens’ diverse needs. These features include payment capabilities, social service features, and are powered by the AFRIGO card scheme facilitated by NIBSS. It showcases Nigeria’s capacity for technological innovation in the financial sector.
New enhanced card serves multiple purposes for Nigerians.
Also, the issuance of the new national identity card through banks aligns with established protocols for debit/credit card issuance, streamlining the process for applicants. Citizens can request the card using their National Identification Number (NIN) through various channels, including the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks. Also, the collaboration between NIMC and NIBSS ensures efficient delivery of cards to applicants, either at designated centers or through delivery services, albeit with additional costs borne by the applicants. This approach aims to enhance accessibility while accommodating diverse preferences and requirements of cardholders.
The enhanced national identity card serves multiple purposes, addressing the growing demand for robust identity verification mechanisms in both public and private sectors. Its key objectives include physical identification (it enables cardholders to prove their identity physically, enhancing security and trust in identity verification processes), access to services (cardholders can access government and private social services more conveniently, fostering inclusion and empowerment), and increased participation in nation-building endeavours (it contributes to social and economic development efforts).
Related Article: Alleged data breach of NIN sparks probe
Finally, the integration of NIMC’s identity management system with banking infrastructure reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation and interoperability in Nigeria’s governance and service delivery. It stresses the importance of secure and reliable identity solutions in driving innovation, financial inclusion, and efficient service delivery across sectors. As Nigeria continues to advance its identity management capabilities, initiatives like the enhanced national identity card and collaborative partnerships between NIMC, CBN, and NIBSS are pivotal in shaping a more connected and inclusive digital ecosystem for citizens. This strategic integration not only enhances identity verification but also contributes to broader socioeconomic development goals, aligning with global trends in digital identity management and financial services innovation.
Related Link
National Identity Management Commission: Website
