NIMC, NIBSS, and Other Stakeholders to Launch Multipurpose Biometric Identity Cards for Nigerians
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBSS), AfriGO, and other key stakeholders have outlined strategies to launch a digital multi-purpose identity card aimed at driving financial inclusion and boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
These biometric-enabled digital cards, which come with multiple wallets, will offer easy access to government services across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Additionally, they will serve as platforms for students to access government loans, among other benefits.
Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General and CEO of NIMC, made this announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, where she also revealed that 115 million Nigerians had already been enrolled in the ongoing registration process. The conference was attended by the Managing Directors/CEOs of NIBSS, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, AfriGO, Mrs. Ebehije Momoh, and Data Mining Company, Mr. Femi Akande.
Coker-Odusote emphasized that the new improved identity card aligns with NIMC’s mandate to enroll Nigerians and legal residents, offering them a multi-functional card for both government and private sector use. The initiative is designed to meet the socio-economic needs of citizens, providing solutions such as simplified access to water and electricity payments, transportation services, shopping, and more.
The multi-purpose cards will be available to both citizens and legitimate residents, including those living abroad. The cards can be used for various transactions online and offline, especially benefitting unbanked citizens in rural areas. By facilitating these services, the cards aim to eliminate the need for intermediaries, ensuring that Nigerians can directly access government services and support.
Dr. Coker-Odusote assured the public that the cards come with embedded biometric data, making them highly secure and tamper-resistant. This feature will help prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring that only legitimate individuals receive government benefits such as palliatives, loans, and other support programs.
The new cards have already been embraced by Nigerian farmers, with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security leveraging them to provide agricultural loans, seedlings, and other essential inputs, improving food production and security.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, AfriGO CEO Mrs. Ebehije Momoh said that the launch of these cards would transform Nigeria’s economy by ensuring that financial transactions remain within the country. She highlighted the positive impact on financial inclusion, cost-effectiveness, and transparency.
Momoh also underscored the significance of data sovereignty and autonomy, pointing out that this domestic solution would help reduce reliance on foreign currency and support the government’s cashless policy. She noted that the system would also enhance social welfare and intervention services, benefiting vulnerable segments of the population.
With 26 banks already issuing the cards, Momoh expressed hope that more institutions would join the initiative. She proudly stated that Nigeria is the first country to roll out this innovative system, which is set to benefit micro and medium-sized enterprises across the nation.
