The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans to introduce an advanced multi-purpose biometric identity card designed to address various social, economic, and governmental needs in Nigeria.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted that the initiative is in partnership with the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS). The event was also attended by Mr. Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS; Ebehije Momoh, Managing Director/CEO of AfriGO; and Femi Akande, Managing Director of Data Mining Company.
Dr. Coker-Odusote explained that the new card integrates identity verification and payment functionalities, aiming to enhance access to essential services and promote economic inclusion. “The key features of this card include biometric authentication based on fingerprints, which are unique and secure. The card is fully KYC-enabled, has both online and offline capabilities, and includes functionalities such as digital wallets, email integration, and embedded banking details,” she said.
She added, “In areas with limited internet access, the card will still function seamlessly, ensuring it serves its intended purpose. It also allows cash withdrawals, QR code authentication, and other financial transactions.”
The initiative, which includes a secondary programme called the Government-to-People (G2P) card, will enable government agencies and private organizations to securely and efficiently identify individuals accessing intervention programmes and services.
Addressing concerns about affordability, Dr. Coker-Odusote assured that the card would be accessible to all Nigerians at a reasonable cost. She emphasized that the project aims to uplift over 133 million Nigerians out of poverty by facilitating access to financial services and social welfare programmes.
Mr. Premier Oiwoh, CEO of NIBSS, underscored the collaborative efforts in building the infrastructure for the card. “With NIBSS’ interoperability framework and payment data, this initiative is set to revolutionize financial transactions in Nigeria. The card incorporates the NQR payment system, enabling users to authenticate transactions using their fingerprints or by scanning the card’s QR code,” he stated.
Providing additional insights, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of the Card Management Team, described the card as a “3-in-1 solution,” offering instant identity verification, access to government services, and seamless financial transactions.
Ebehije Momoh, Managing Director of AfriGO, described the project as transformative, noting its potential to revolutionize the Nigerian identity management system and enhance the ease of identification and service delivery.
The rollout of this multi-purpose biometric card marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, fostering economic inclusion and addressing identity management challenges.
