'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled plans to launch a groundbreaking electronic identity card (e-ID card) system equipped with payment and social security functionalities by the first quarter of 2025. The announcement was made by Mr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of the Card Management Services Department, during the second day of a roundtable meeting with online publishers held in Abuja.
The e-ID card initiative is a strategic effort by the NIMC to fulfill its mandate of providing secure digital identity solutions, enabling Nigerians and legal residents to actively participate in the nation’s growing digital economy. The program is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive on the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the leadership vision of NIMC’s Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Mr. Iwegbu disclosed that the e-ID card, developed under the General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) scheme, is designed to support diverse applications, including:
Payments: The card will function as a debit or prepaid card, enabling cashless transactions across ATMs, POS terminals, online platforms, and contactless payment channels.
Government-to-People (G2P) Services: Facilitates direct disbursement of government funds, such as palliatives, grants, and subsidies.
Social and Financial Inclusion: Features tailored to support vulnerable groups, including senior citizens and the unbanked population.
Cross-Border Capabilities: Integration with the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Travel Card (ENBIC) for seamless regional mobility in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The e-ID card offers a range of benefits, including secure and verifiable digital and physical identity, access to financial services for the underbanked, and offline transaction capabilities in areas with limited network coverage. Additionally, the card integrates with eNaira, virtual wallets, and digital tokens, supporting seamless transactions and up to 32 wallets for accessing multiple government programs.
For the government, the card will: reduce financial exclusion, aligning with the Central Bank of Nigeria's financial inclusion goals.
It will promote cashless transactions and enhance the digital economy. Streamline service delivery and provide a direct, interoperable platform for government services.
Also, it will lower costs by reducing reliance on foreign currency for card production.
The announcement was made at a roundtable attended by key NIMC officials and over 40 members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE). ACOE Chairman, Mr. Martins Odiete, commended NIMC for its innovative vision and pledged media support to ensure public awareness and participation in the initiative.
The launch of the e-ID card marks a significant advancement in digital identity management in Nigeria. By integrating payment and social security functionalities, the e-ID card is set to revolutionize how citizens access services, interact with the government, and participate in the digital economy.
With the rollout planned for Q1 2025, NIMC is poised to deliver a transformative tool for empowerment and efficient service delivery.
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