The Nigerian Presidency has outlined the significant benefits that citizens will enjoy from the soon-to-be-launched general multipurpose identity card by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
In a sensitization video posted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on Wednesday, the Presidency highlighted several reasons why every Nigerian may need to acquire the card once it is available.
The Presidency explained that the new card will provide citizens with access to various government interventions, as it is designed to enhance transparency in the social contract between the government and the people.
“The card will provide access to government interventions, reflecting efforts to enhance transparency in social contracts with citizens,” the Presidency stated.
In addition, the card will facilitate easy access to loans from the government and financial institutions. This is because the card will allow for the generation of verifiable credit scores, which are derived from individuals’ historical financial records.
“Cardholders can readily obtain loans from the government and various financial institutions, as their verifiable credit scores are derived from their historical financial records,” the Presidency pointed out.
Further explaining the card’s role in financial inclusion, the Presidency noted that the National ID Card is a crucial step toward bringing over 100 million Nigerians into the banking sector.
“The National ID Card aims to bring over 100 million Nigerians into the banking sector as it automatically bestows on them an inclusion that has evaded more than half of the country’s population for a very long time,” the statement read.
The multipurpose card will also offer users the option to request either credit or debit cards, giving Nigerians more flexibility in managing their finances.
Additionally, the card is set to become a key requirement for a range of official and private sector processes.
The Presidency confirmed that the National Identification Number (NIN) would now be required for applying for government jobs as well as private sector positions.
The introduction of the card aims to instill confidence in employers by ensuring that job seekers are verified citizens with credible records.
“The card would give employers confidence in the profile of the job seekers as verified citizens without questionable records,” the Presidency added.
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The Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, provided further details on the distribution process during a media workshop in Lagos last week. He explained that while the NIN is mandatory for all Nigerians, individuals who wish to obtain the multipurpose card must submit a request. “Individuals who desire the card must submit a request to obtain it,” Iwegbu stated.
He also revealed that the NIMC has decentralised the card request and collection process, making it more accessible for Nigerians.
“NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request a card,” he said. Furthermore, he assured that the card would be issued at a uniform price across all participating banks.
Dr. Iwegbu also mentioned that the launch of the multipurpose card is imminent, with sample test cards already received by the NIMC.
“The multipurpose cards would be launched in a matter of weeks as the sample test cards had been received,” he confirmed.
