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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a significant milestone, with the National Identity Number (NIN) database surpassing 107.3 million registrations, marking an increase of 3.2 million from the previous year-end figure of 104 million.
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In a media briefing held in Abuja, NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote unveiled plans for the introduction of a versatile multipurpose NIN payment card, which will require payment from Nigerian citizens.
Coker-Odusote emphasized the commission’s commitment to expanding enrollment and ensuring universal registration for all Nigerians.
The ongoing revamp of systems, adoption of advanced technologies, and crackdown on fraudsters and extortionists underscore NIMC’s dedication to enhancing service delivery and combating illicit activities within its operations.
With the continuous expansion of enrollment centers nationwide, the commission aims to achieve comprehensive registration coverage for all Nigerian citizens.
Coker-Odusote revealed plans to upgrade the system’s capacity from 100 million to 250 million within the next six to eight months, demonstrating NIMC’s proactive approach to meeting evolving demands.
Addressing concerns of long wait times and extortion practices, Coker-Odusote affirmed the commission’s resolve to streamline processes and eradicate fraudulent activities. She warned against staff involvement in illegal acts, stressing that stringent disciplinary measures would be enforced in accordance with relevant laws.
In a bid to improve access to digital services and promote financial inclusion, NIMC plans to introduce a new general multipurpose national identity card, which will enable Nigerians to access various digital platforms.
Applicants will be required to pay a nominal fee through financial institutions for card issuance, with arrangements made for seamless delivery through strategic partnerships.
Coker-Odusote assured that NIN registration remains free for all citizens, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to providing efficient and accessible services to enhance the lives of Nigerians.
Key Facts about the Proposed New General Multipurpose National Identity Card
- The new National ID Card is a single, convenient, and General multipurpose card (GMPC) , eliminating the need for multiple cards—not three.
- The single GMPC has multiple use cases: Payments/Financial, Government intervention/services, travel, etc
- The National Identity Management Commission is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to deliver the payment and financial use cases.
- The card will be powered by the AFRIGO card scheme, an indigenous scheme powered by NIBSS.
- Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks
- The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the Debit/Credit cards.
- The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants.
