The Nigerian National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and MasterCard have partnered up to roll out 13m MasterCard branded National Identity Smart Cards with electronic payment capability.
The multipurpose identity card has thirteen applications, including MasterCard’s prepaid payment. To be eligible, users have to be at least 16 years old and resident in the country for more than two years.
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Cardholders can deposit money on the card, receive social benefits, pay for products and services, and withdraw cash from all ATMs that accept MasterCard, locally and globally. Transactions facilitated by electronic payments are also possible.
As part of the enrolment process, individuals will have their demographic and biometric data recorded; this includes the capture of fingerprints, facial picture and digital signature.
The pilot issuer of the project will be Access Bank Plc and Unified Payment Services Limited will act as the payment processor. United Bank for Africa, Union Bank, Zenith, Skye Bank, Unity Bank, Stanbic and First Bank will also act as issuers.
"The new identity card will revolutionize the Nigerian economic landscape, breaking down one of the most significant barriers to financial inclusion – proof of identity, while simultaneously providing Nigerians with a world class payment solution," said Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chief executive of Access Bank.
NIMC plans to introduce more than 100 million cards in Nigeria.
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