Nigerian Government To Launch New National Identity Cards Linked To Bank Accounts

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

The announcement of the new national identity cards with payment and social service delivery capabilities by the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government marks a significant step towards enhancing identification and financial inclusion for Nigerians.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), aims to provide a multifunctional identity solution that integrates payment functionality with verifiable national identity features.

Key highlights of the new national identity card include:

1. National Identity Features: The card will serve as proof of identity, enabling cardholders to access government and private social services.
2. Financial Inclusion: It will facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians by empowering them to participate in financial transactions and access banking services.
3. Government Intervention Programs: Eligible persons, particularly those financially excluded, will have access to multiple government intervention programs through the card.
4. Data Protection: NIMC is committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and ensuring compliance with international standards on data security protocols.
5. Key Features: The card will have machine-readable zones, travel and health insurance information, and biometric authentication features such as fingerprint and pictures for identity verification.
6. Offline Capability: It will have offline capability, allowing transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
7. Functionality as Debit and Prepaid Card: The card will function as a debit or prepaid card, catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.

Request for the new national identity cards will be available online, at commercial banks, various agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide, ensuring accessibility to all registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN).

Overall, this initiative represents a comprehensive effort to modernize identification systems, promote financial inclusion, and streamline access to social services for the Nigerian population.