The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced its plans to roll out an innovative e-ID card system with integrated payment and social security features 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 the NIMC roundtable with online publishers held in Abuja.

The new card program, designed to meet one of NIMC's core mandates, is aimed at empowering Nigerians and legal residents to securely participate in the growing digital economy. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive on the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the commission's strategic roadmap under the leadership of its Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

According to Mr Iwegbu, the e-ID card, under the General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) scheme, is designed to offer multiple variants to address various use cases, including:

Payments: The card will function as a debit or prepaid card, supporting cashless transactions at ATMs, POS terminals, online merchants, and via contactless payments.

Government-to-People (G2P) Programs: Enabling the direct disbursement of government interventions, including palliatives, grants, and transportation subsidies.

Social and Financial Inclusion: Special features to cater to vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and the unbanked.

Cross-Border Capabilities: Integration with ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Travel Card (ENBIC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

He added that the e-ID card offers unparalleled advantages for users:
Secure and verifiable digital and physical identity. Access to social and financial services, particularly for the underbanked and unbanked. Capability to conduct transactions in areas with limited network coverage using offline functionality. Integration with eNaira, virtual wallets, and digital tokens, allowing seamless payments. Support for up to 32 wallets for accessing multiple government programs.

The scheme will also deliver significant benefits for the government among which are:
Reducing financial exclusion which aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria's financial inclusion goals.

Enhancing the digital economy, promoting cashless transactions and electronic payments. Streamlining service delivery. Provides a direct and interoperable platform for government services. Cost reduction which leverages domesticated card charges, reducing foreign exchange exposure.

"The implementation of the e-ID card is in its advanced stages and will include: Immediate Needs Fulfillment: Catering to vulnerable Nigerians through secure platforms for accessing government services.

National ID Activation: Bank-enabled National ID cards will be available within two months for citizens willing to pay for expedited services.

Digital Card Options: Virtual cards will also be provided for users preferring digital formats.

The NIMC roundtable, which featured key management officials and over forty members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), emphasized collaboration as essential for driving awareness and participation. ACOE Chairman, Mr. Martins Odiete, lauded the NIMC for its forward-thinking initiatives and assured the commission of robust media support to achieve its objectives.

The launch of the e-ID card represents a significant leap forward in digital identity management, offering citizens and the government a powerful tool for empowerment and efficient service delivery. With a roll-out planned for Q1 2025, NIMC is poised to revolutionize the way Nigerians access services and participate in the digital economy.