The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to launch three new national identity cards in May, targeting 104 million citizens.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a unified and secure digital identity framework across the nation.
Details
The new ID will be powered by AfriGo, a national card scheme created by the Central Bank of Nigeria to perform domestic transactions such as existing debit cards. The Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) is teaming with the NIMC and the central bank for the initiative.
The cards aim to facilitate transactions, access to government services, and financial inclusion, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
Digital or virtual versions of all cards will be available, with limited functionalities compared to physical cards.
Benefits
The new national card will be used for all government social programmes including cash transfers, agricultural loans, student loans, health insurance schemes, micro contributions, and micro pensions, with a validity period of 10 years.
Zoom Out
The announcement of the new national ID cards has been met with some pushback.
Critics say the planned initiative is a duplication of efforts and a waste of resources. They say that the purpose of the new cards was currently being fulfilled by existing platforms like the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) platforms in the country.
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