FG Plans Three National ID Cards for 104m Nigerians by June 2024
Do you know that the Federal Government of Nigeria has plans to launch three national identity cards in May this year and has target of providing them for about 104m citizens across the country from June 2024. See more details below as you read.
The technical adviser, Media and communications to the Director-General of NIMC, Ayodele Babalola, who disclosed these in an interview with us on Sunday, said Nigerians would start getting the three national ID cards within one or two months of the launch.
The three new national identity cards planned by the National Identity Management Commission include a bank-enable National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.
He, however, said the launch date (May 2024), was subject to the approval of the presidency.
Babalola stated, “We expect the bank-enable 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 the 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 programme”.
“Digital/virtual version of all cards will be available for individuals who prefer digital formats, albeits with limited functionalities. Additionally, ECOWAS cards will be issued on an as-needed basis in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Services,” he added.
On Friday, the identity Commission unveiled plans to launch a multipurpose national identity card known as AFRIGO. It explained that the identity solution was equipped with payment capability for all types of social and financial services.
According to a statement by NIMC on Friday, this initiative represent a collaborative effort between NIMC, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System. it aims to offer increased options for domestic consumers while fostering the delivery of services in a more innovative, cost-effective, and competitive manner.
During the interview with valentine202.com on Sunday, Babalola explained that the new card would address the need for physical verification by allowing cardholders to prove their identity, gain access to government and private social services, promote financial inclusion for marginalized Nigerians, empower citizens, and encourage greater participation in nation-building initiatives.
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He said the commission hoped the cards would be allocated to 104 million eligible applicants on the national identification number database as of the end of December 2023.
It will be recall that in January 2023, the CBN launched AfriGo to drive financial inclusion using the card and boast data sovereignty.
AfriGo was birth in Nigeria with continental aspirations, as ‘AFRI’ means culture, ethnic diversity, bravery, innovation, and growth, while “Go” symbolizes progress, empowerment, inclusivity, and future-forward, among others.
This initiative is coming months after the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chauhuri, announced plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management commission to ensure the successful rollout and registration of digital national IDs for all Nigerians.
Chaudhuri at a meeting with the minister of communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the ambitious target was to provide at least 148 million people of working age with digital national ID by the middle of 2024, marking a significant step towards inclusion and accessibility.
Cards will be available June 2024
Babalola said the commission would activate the bank-enable National ID immediately to meet the needs of the middle and upper segments within the next one to two months after it’s unveiling.
“We expect the bank-enabled National ID to meet the needs of the middle and upper segments who typically use banks within the next 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 to two months. The focus will be on 25 million vulnerable Nigerians funded by the current government intervention programmes.
Highlighting the step-by-step process, the technical assistant said citizens would have to make requests at the bank and NIMC locations to receive the new cards.
“ This is an online request self-service portal that allows NIN holders irrespective of their locations (local and international) to initiate a card request and select their preferred card type, bank, and pick-up location.
“A NIN holder will have to approach his desired bank branch and get verified through the NIMC verification service. After a successful verification, the bank staff fills applicant’s details as listed above on the portal. The applicant then pays the required fees to complete the application process” he said.
The New card will take effect from June 2024.
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