The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled its latest initiative, the multipurpose National ID card, designed to streamline identity verification, facilitate payments, and grant access to various government services.

This comprehensive card is set to integrate seamlessly with government interventions and services offered by diverse Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), while also adhering to EMV operational and security standards to support the eNaira. Although the official release date for the card remains unspecified, NIMC has outlined the application process for interested Nigerians.

To obtain the card, individuals are required to follow a structured procedure:

• Firstly, applicants visit their nearest bank or bank-approved center to request the payment card, which is intricately layered with identity features.

• Upon presenting their National Identification Number (NIN) for verification and confirming a minimum age of 18, the bank transmits the NIN to NIMC to acquire authorized identity data in the prescribed format.

• Subsequently, utilizing the verified identity data, the bank securely generates the standard EMV data for the card, which is then personalized and printed by a partnering bureau.

• Finally, the bank issues the completed card to the applicant, who becomes the official cardholder.

Regarding the card's validity, while the payment aspect follows the standard expiry date convention, the identity segment only displays an issue date without an expiry. Upon expiration of the payment feature, cardholders have three options:

Request a replacement payment card layered with identity from the bank, disposing of the previous one.

Opt to solely utilize the card for identification purposes, while obtaining a separate, standalone payment card from the bank.

Continue using the card solely as a valid means of identification, especially beneficial for unbanked individuals, without requesting a new payment card.

NIMC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the card's security, cautioning against sharing photocopies or scanned images that may compromise sensitive payment details. While the NIN remains discreetly concealed on the card, it can be accessed through scanning the QR code, ensuring secure verification processes.