The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has revealed that Nigerians will begin utilising the services of the proposed national domestic card from August 2024.
The card is expected to be launched in partnership with the NIMC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and powered by the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBBS) and AfriGo.
Punch reports that commission had been working tirelessly to meet its goals, adding that the plan remains on track and would be launched in the upcoming months.
An official quoted confirmed ongoing efforts towards the deployment of a new technology, targeting completion between July and August despite minor delays.
He said:
The official explained the complexities involved in rolling out the new technology, highlighting the need for thorough preparations.
In an earlier report by TimesNow.com.ng, NIMC said Nigerians with a National Identification Number will soon request a National ID card with payment features for financial and social services.
The commission announced that the card would be launched in collaboration with the NIMC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), utilizing the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBBS) and AfriGo for its operations.
According to a statement by NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the National ID card, containing verifiable national identity features, is supported by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. This act mandates the NIMC to enroll and issue a general multipurpose card to Nigerians and legal residents.
TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that the Federal Government has directed Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to issue new debit cards to customers with National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The new card will withdraw money from Automatic Teller Machines and serve as a national identity card for Nigerians.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, announced the directive during a press briefing following the valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
