How you can obtain the new NIMC multipurpose ID/ATM card

In April, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched an innovative national identity solution with integrated payment functionality that will be known as the National Multipurpose Identity Card (GMPC). This involves a partnership between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The domestic card scheme is powered by AfriGO

The new multipurpose card will not only serve as a means of identification for the holders. Still, it will also help facilitate payments and social service provision from the government to citizens registered on its database.

The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents. 

All you need to know about the NIMC National e-ID Card

The new multipurpose ID card is designed to cater to the diverse needs of Nigerians. It comes with a variety of features, including machine-readable zones (MRZ) that comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The card uses biometric authentication through fingerprints and photos to ensure secure identity verification.

Additionally, it has an offline capability that enables transactions in areas with limited network coverage, which is beneficial for citizens living in remote regions. This sole purpose helps enhance the financial inclusion drive of the government to include rural dwellers in the financial economy.

Also, the FG has introduced a quick response code (NQR) that contains the national identification number. This code has multiple features, like providing information on travel, health insurance, micro-loans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies. It also functions as both a debit and prepaid card, catering to banked and unbanked individuals.

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The introduction of multifunctional identity cards is not unique to Nigeria. Countries worldwide have adopted similar initiatives to enhance citizen services and promote financial inclusion. For instance, India’s Aadhaar card serves as a comprehensive identification document linked to various government services and financial transactions.

Similarly, Malaysia’s MyKad and Estonia’s digital ID cards offer secure access to services and transactions, setting benchmarks for Nigeria’s GMPC.

How to Obtain the New NIMC Multipurpose ID Card

Obtaining the new multipurpose ID card is a straightforward process designed to be accessible to all eligible individuals.

Whether through online requisition portals or in-branch applications at designated bank locations or NIMC enrollment centres, applicants can get their cards with ease. However, only registered citizens and legal residents with a National Identification Number (NIN) are eligible to have the NIMC GMPC card.

The following are the various ways to obtain the card:

Online Requisition Portal

This is an online request self-service portal that allows NIN holders, irrespective of their locations (local & international), to:

• Initiate a card request.
• Select their preferred card type, bank, and pick-up location.

In-branch Card Request – Bank locations

• An individual with his/her NIN approaches his or her desired bank branch and gets verified through the NIMC verification service.
• After a successful verification, the bank staff fills in the applicant’s details as listed above on the portal.
• The applicant then pays the required fees to complete the application process.

In-branch Card Request – NIMC locations

• An individual with his/her NIN approaches his or her desired NIMC enrollment centre and gets verified through the NIMC Verification Service.
• After a successful verification, the NIMC staff fills in the applicant’s details as listed above on the portal.
• The NIMC staff generates a reference code, which the applicant will use to pay and complete the application process at the bank.
• The applicant then visits his desired bank branch to make payment.
• The bank staff calls up the application using the reference code submitted by the applicant.
• Payment is made and the application process is completed.

Card Pickup

• Applicants receive notifications to collect their cards at designated banks.
• Banks confirm card pickup via the portal.

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The identity section of the card is valid indefinitely, but the payment feature comes with an expiration date. When the payment feature expires, cardholders can either request a new payment card with the identity layer or continue using the card only for identification purposes.

Contrary to what obtains in the current national ID card regime, individuals have been warned not to give out details of the card or any photocopied or scanned copies bearing their sensitive payment details to unauthorised parties, as fraudsters may use the opportunity to steal funds from unsuspecting victims’ accounts.