The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans for Nigerians to use the planned three-in-one identity card (ID card). According to the statement, by August of this year, citizens nationwide will have access to the single multifunctional card, which combines various identity, financial, and social service capabilities.
In an exclusive interview with a media house on Friday, a senior member of the implementation team—who wished to remain anonymous—shared the fresh details.
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Plans to launch ID card next coming months
The representative said that the commission had been putting in a lot of effort to reach its objectives and that the plan was still on track to be implemented in the coming months. He also revealed that the commission has started the testing and implementation phase.
Although there have been a few delays, the official stated, “We actually plan for July, and we are still hopeful that it will come in July.” Therefore, our goal is to finish it in July or August. We’re still sticking to the strategy, and the public will be informed if anything changes.
“There is a lot of work to be done when deploying new technology; you need to configure the card, enable the outlet, and enable the wallet to function,” the source continued. Additionally, testing is required of us and is still ongoing.
“The portal that users must use to access the service must be launched, and we must ensure that it is scalable. These are the continuing tasks involved in the deployment.
ID Card to be linked to bank details
To enable the card, all banks must complete certain linkages, and those minute details are continuing. We are putting in extra effort to make sure we meet that goal, which is our target.
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In cooperation with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, the NIMC stated on Friday, April 5, 2024, that it has introduced a new card featuring social service functions and payment capabilities.
It clarified that the identity solution included the capacity to make payments for all kinds of financial and social services.
According to a statement, the initiative is an attempt to collaborate to provide additional options for domestic customers and to encourage the provision of services in a more creative, economical, and competitive way.
The identity cards will include a social intervention card, an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, and a bank-enabled National ID card.