National ID: Nigerian Government Appoints SecureID Producer, Introduces Social Features

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has named SecureID, a Lagos-based company, as the first manufacturer of the National Domestic Card Scheme, AfriGo Card, an innovative identity solution that includes payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.

The appointment is made in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS).

According to the statement, AfriGo will meet the demand for physical identification by allowing cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, and encourage increased participation in nation-building.

AfriGo, according to the statement, will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

Adegoke stated that only registered citizens and legal residents with a National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

“The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking the same to bank accounts of their choice.

“The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programs.

“Key features will include: Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in accordance with ICAO for e-passport information.
Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.

“Extra features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transportation, and energy subsidies, among others.

“Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number

“Biometric authentication, such as fingerprints and images, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip

“Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity

“Effectiveness as a debit and prepaid card for both banked and unbanked individuals

“Requests for cards from registered citizens and legal residents will be accepted online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programmes, and/or any NIMC office nationwide.”