FG says only banks will issue new national ID card to applicants

The Federal Government has informed Nigerians that the newly launched national identity card will be issued to applicants by their banks.

The body tasked with the assignment, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), made the announcement in a post on its official Twitter (now X) handle on Friday, April 12, 2024.

This is coming barely a week after the commission launched an enhanced national identity card layered with payment capabilities and social service features.

The new card was a brainchild of a collaborative effort between NIMC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

Meanwhile, NIMC assured Nigerians that it's working with NIBBS to deliver the cards to applicants without much hassle.

It, however, stated that applicants need to request their cards with their National Identification Number (NIN) by exploring 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 will be powered by the AFRIGO card scheme, an indigenous scheme powered by NIBSS.

“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated centre or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” the update read.

NIMC had said the enhanced card aims to address the demand for physical identification, enabling cardholders to prove their identity and access government and private social services.

The new card is also expected to promote inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building endeavours.