The National Identity Management Commission has announced plans to introduce a new multi-purpose biometric identity card.
This move is aimed at improving the country’s identity system and supporting both government and private sector initiatives.
The Director General and CEO of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, shared details of the new card during a media briefing in Abuja. She explained that the NIMC is working with the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to bring this project to life.
The new card is designed to tackle a range of social and economic challenges in Nigeria. Dr. Coker-Odusote explained, “The key features of this card include biometric identification using fingerprints, a long validity period, and full Know Your Customer (KYC) capabilities. It works both offline and online, ensuring it can be used even in areas with limited internet access.”
The new biometric card will also have the ability to handle payments, including cash, digital tokens, and wallet services. It will feature banking details inside the chip, allowing the cardholder to perform functions similar to other electronic cards.
Coker-Odusote also highlighted that the card would help include citizens in national social and economic activities. “This will also assist in securely identifying people involved in government and private sector services,” she said. The card aims to help identify participants in government intervention programs.
The NIMC CEO assured that the card would be affordable for Nigerians, with the goal of lifting 133 million citizens out of poverty and ensuring access to smooth services.
Premier Oiwoh, the Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, spoke about the role of NIBSS in the project. “NIBSS has the necessary interoperability arrangement, and AfriGo, owned by NIBSS, will work to provide payment services,” he said. Oiwoh also added that the card would allow Nigerians to authenticate transactions using their fingerprints or QR codes.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of the Card Management team, explained that the card would provide instant identification and offer access to government services and financial transactions. He emphasized that it will also make it easier to verify people without needing electronic devices.
Ebehijie Momoh, Managing Director of AfriGo, described the card as a “phenomenal” innovation that will revolutionize Nigeria’s identity system.
