By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
BIDS to streamline identity verification and boost economic inclusion in Nigeria are advancing through a comprehensive biometric identity card programme.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that 115 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the ongoing scheme, which integrates advanced technology to tackle social and economic challenges.
The initiative, led by NIMC Director General, Dr Abisoye Odusote, aims to provide a multi-purpose identity card with features that cater to both online and offline environments.
Dr Odusote explained that the card is equipped with biometric functionality, including fingerprint recognition, which ensures unique identification.
It supports Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and facilitates both cashless and token-based transactions.
Designed to address gaps in service delivery, the card offers enhanced identification for government intervention programmes, enabling reliable verification even in remote areas without internet access.
According to Dr Odusote, the card’s multi-functional chip includes a digital wallet, banking details, and email capabilities, making it a vital tool for financial and social inclusion.
The programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting poverty reduction for 133 million Nigerians.
By integrating with the AFRIGO indigenous card scheme, the initiative ensures local ownership and affordability for citizens.
The biometric identity card will also strengthen the digital economy by streamlining access to government services.
Dr Odusote emphasised its utility in verifying beneficiaries of social welfare programmes and reducing fraud.
He said the card’s affordability is prioritised to ensure widespread accessibility.
NIMC DG also explained that beyond its economic potential, the card supports seamless identification for security and financial transactions, removing barriers for individuals who are economically and socially disconnected.
Its robust functionality is expected to significantly boost financial inclusion while modernising Nigeria’s identity management system, he said further.
Dr Odusote adds that the NIMC is working to meet international standards with this verification platform, and it is all in the bid to ensure that Nigerians can affirm their identities securely and reliably in both domestic and global contexts.
