The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has disclosed further details on the issuance of national identity cards to Nigerians. In an update on its official X handle at the weekend, the agency revealed that the new identity cards will be issued to applicants through their respective banks.
The NIMC is collaborating with the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to facilitate the delivery of the cards to applicants. The partnership aligns with the existing protocols for issuing Debit/Credit cards.
The agency further explained that applicants would need to request their cards using their National Identification Number (NIN).
“The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the Debit/Credit cards,” the agency said
They can do this through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks.
The new National ID Card, termed the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), is designed to be a single, convenient card, eliminating the need for multiple cards.
The GMPC is expected to have multiple use cases, offering a wide range of services to the cardholders.
The card will be powered by the AFRIGO card scheme, an indigenous scheme powered by NIBSS. This move is seen as a significant step towards promoting local technological advancements and reducing dependency on foreign card schemes.
The NIMC also clarified that the card could be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location.
However, any extra cost for the delivery service will be borne by the applicants.
The Nigerian National ID Card is an official identification document issued by the Nigerian government to its citizens or residents.
The card is operated and regulated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the NIMC has the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain, and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria.
The commission is responsible for registering persons covered by the Act, assigning a Unique National Identification Number (NIN), and issuing General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC).
The NIMC provides services covering NIN enrolment and issuance, National e-ID card issuance, identity verification, as well as data harmonization and authentication.
The process of applying for a national ID Card in Nigeria involves visiting the NIMC pre-enrollment portal and completing the National ID card application form online. After completing the form, applicants are required to proceed to any NIMC enrollment outlet nationwide with all necessary documents.
The NIMC has also introduced a Mobile Digital ID, which is a valid means of identification.
The improved NIN Slip bearing a QR code and Mobile ID are valid means of identification with the caveat that each MUST be verified using an approved resource such as the NIMC Mobile ID app.
The recent announcement of the new General Multipurpose National Identity Card marks a significant milestone in the NIMC’s efforts to provide a unified and robust identity management system in Nigeria. This development is expected to enhance the convenience and security of identity verification processes across various sectors in the country.
