Nigerian govt announces three new national identity cards

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce three new national identity cards.

It said it would make the cards available to approximately 104 million citizens throughout the country.

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, said that the cards consist of a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.

This was contained in a statement shared by the Technical Adviser for Media and Communications to the Director-General of NIMC. Ayodele Babalola.

“We expect the bank-enabled National ID to meet the needs of the middle and upper segments who typically use banks within the next one or two months after launch.

“Also, activation of the National Safety Net Card to meet the urgent needs for authentication and a secure platform for government services such as palliatives within the next one or two months.

“The focus will be on the 25 million vulnerable Nigerians funded by the current government intervention programmes.”

“Digital/virtual versions of all cards will be available for individuals who prefer digital formats, albeit with limited functionalities. Additionally, ECOWAS cards will be issued on an as-needed basis in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service,” he said.

He further stated that, “we shall be implementing the following programmes to revive the general multipurpose card issuance: first is the bank-enabled national ID card in collaboration with NIBSS and banks, while the second programme will be a social intervention card under the National Safety Net Card. The third rollout will be an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.

“We are looking at May for the possible launch but that is also subject to presidential approval. It is just to finalise some very important details.

“The project will be powered by AfriGo, which is under the Central Bank, but everything stops at the table of the President.”