Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced it has launched the eID pilot program, issuing MasterCard-branded identity cards with electronic payments functionality to 13 million civilians. The program marks the largest rollout of a biometric verification card with an electronic payment solution in Nigeria, as well as the broadest financial inclusion program in Africa. The eID card is a key part of the NIMC’s mandate to develop, maintain and run Nigeria’s first central national identity database and provide proof of identity to Nigerians 16 years and older.
The card features 13 applications, including MasterCard ’s prepaid payment technology and Cryptovision ’s biometric identification technology, providing millions of Nigerian civilians with the ability to perform safe electronic payments.
“I am happy that this important milestone of the rollout of the National Identity Management System has been realized today,” said Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan at a celebratory event held in Abuja. “I am impressed with the quality of the eID card and the work of the corporate partners that made it possible. I commend especially MasterCard, and Access Bank Plc, as well as the Commission for achieving a world-class product.”
NIMC is also collaborating with other government agencies to consolidate all identity databases including the driver’s license, voter registration, health insurance, tax, SIM and the National Pension Commission into one shared services platform.
The Commission worked closely with both the public and private sectors, focusing on “inclusive citizenship, more effective governance, and the creation of a cashless economy,” said Barr. Chris ‘E Onyemenam, director general and CEO of NIMC.
“The National eID program enables us to create an optimized common platform for Nigerian citizens to easily interact with the various government agencies and to transact electronically,” said Onyemenam. “There are many use cases for the card, including the potential to use it as an international travel document, which will have significant implications for border control in Nigeria and West Africa.”
The card will also allow a financial history to be established by individuals, enabling them to gain access to the mainstream economy and establish credit with financial institutions.