The Federal Government has announced the impending launch of a multipurpose National ID card designed to revolutionize access to essential services in Nigeria. According to a statement from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will introduce the card to simplify identification processes and improve financial inclusion, government interventions, and job applications.
A cornerstone of the initiative is its potential to drive financial inclusion. With more than 100 million Nigerians currently unbanked, the card will provide a gateway for millions to open bank accounts, access credit facilities, and acquire debit or credit cards. Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of verifiable credit scores, paving the way for easier access to loans from financial institutions.
This development is supported by a partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which aims to integrate credit scores with the National Identification Number (NIN). This integration will streamline financial transactions and enable more Nigerians to participate in the formal economy.
The card will also be a mandatory requirement for job applications in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that employers can reliably verify applicants’ identities. This step is expected to enhance transparency in recruitment processes and reduce identity fraud.
Beyond employment, the card will simplify access to key services, including voter registration and passport applications, by serving as a single, universally accepted form of identification. This efficiency aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve service delivery nationwide.
The National ID card will also play a crucial role in the equitable distribution of government interventions. By ensuring that only eligible citizens receive social benefits, the system supports the government’s drive to combat corruption and improve transparency in public programs.
Moreover, the ID card will integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s digital currency, the eNaira, allowing for secure digital transactions. This collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) highlights the card’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, head of Card Management Services at NIMC, revealed that the cards will be distributed nationwide through banks, ensuring easy access for citizens. Plans are in place to maintain uniform pricing and decentralize collection points to make the process user-friendly.
The introduction of the multipurpose National ID card marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize identification systems, improve financial inclusion, and foster transparency. With these advancements, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive, efficient society.
