NIMC unveils multifunctional features of new NIN e-ID cards for Nigerians

*The National Identity Management Commission explains the new National Identification Number electronic ID cards to be issued by banks will serve as payment cards and identification cards for Nigerian consumers

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has explained the new National Identification Number (NIN) cards will serve as payment cards and identification cards for Nigerians.

ConsumerConnect reports the the country’s identity regulatory Commission has affirmed the new electronic cards will serve as a multi-purpose tool for identification and financial transactions.

Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, and Peter Iwegbu, Director of Card Management Services at NIMC, announced this development while featuring in a recent interview on Channels TV monitored in Lagos.

Explaining the financial functionality of the cards, Iwegbu highlighted that the cards would enable consumers to conduct transactions, such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) withdrawals, online payments, and money transfers.

New eID card features, by NIMC
According to NIMC, on use case 1 – Payments, the new crd has the following specific features:

• The card can function as a debit and prepaid card for both banked and unbanked individuals.
• Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and picture, to aid identity verification.
• Offline capability that will allow transactions to be carried out in areas with limited network coverage.
• Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) for e-passport information in line with ICAO traveling standards.
• Banking details at the back of the card with chip and pin as well as Magnetic stripe enabled.
• Includes Nigeria quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number.
• Contact and contactless

The NIMC Director of Card Management Services stated: “The card serves as a payment card, apart from being an identification card.”

Iwegbu further said the chip of the new cards integrates seamlessly with Nigeria’s banking system, allowing consumers to withdraw money or transfer funds regardless of their banks.

Also speaking on the functionality of the cards, Adegoke disclosed that the Nigerian banks would issue the cards to consumers to streamline the issuance process.

He equally stressed that banks, alongside an online portal, will handle applications, ensuring accessibility for all Nigerians.

How NIN cards offer extensive utility for consumers: Adegoke

The Head of Corporate Communications noted: “The way the card is going to be issued this time around, quite unlike the past, is that you have to get it through your respective bank.”

Adegoke also stressed while the NINs remain the core element of identity verification in Nigeria, the linked cards offer extensive utility for consumers.

He stated: “The NIN is free, and we are enlightening Nigerians that whenever they go to any of our centres, the enrollment and issuance of the NIN are entirely free.”

The officials of the Commission further revealed that NIMC is partnering with various stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to activate the financial features of the NIN cards.

On inclusion of underserved Nigerians in financial systems

Besides, NIMC also explained the new-fangled initiative is expected to provide value to banks while including previously underserved Nigerians in financial systems.

Iwegbu stated: “We are bringing to them almost over 100 million possible customers who they can bank with.”

Aside from financial utility of the tech tool, the NIN cards are designed to enhance security and identification in remote areas of the country.

The Director of Card Management Services at NIMC said: “It also enables us to financially include some of these people who have been excluded, and provide identification for those without means like an international passport.”

It is equally noted that unlike the previous national identification process, where individuals had to pick up their cards from NIMC offices, the top officials of the Commission affirmed that the new identity system would allow Nigerians to apply for and collect their cards at designated bank branches in Nigeria.

“You can decide the bank you want, the branch you want to pick it from, or even choose to have it delivered to your doorstep,” Adegoke said.

Iwegbu as well corroborated his submission, stating “the card will solve problems of financial and social exclusion, making life easier and smarter for Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, as the Commission is still in the final stages of testing the acclaimed security features of the new NIN cards, rollout is, however, expected in the coming months, according to the officials.

Iwegbu, therefore, assured Nigerian consumers that the initiative was designed to address age-long challenges, including distribution and acceptance issues in the West African country.