In a strategic move aimed at empowering its citizens and bolstering digital infrastructure, the Federal Government of Nigeria is gearing up to unveil three new national identity cards by May 2024, a venture expected to cater to a staggering 104 million individuals.

This ambitious undertaking forms a crucial component of a comprehensive initiative directed towards forging a unified and impregnable digital identity ecosystem spanning the entire nation.

Rollout of New Nigerian ID Cards:

The forthcoming identity cards will harness the capabilities of AfriGo, a national card scheme ingeniously crafted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, designed primarily for domestic transactions akin to prevalent debit cards. Collaborating closely on this endeavor are the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the central bank.

These new cards aspire to streamline transactions, streamline access to governmental amenities, and champion financial inclusivity, especially for marginalized demographics.

In addition to physical counterparts, digital or virtual renditions of these cards will be made available, albeit with restricted functionalities compared to their tangible counterparts.

Benefits and Utility:

The impending national card is poised to serve as the linchpin for all governmental social initiatives, encompassing cash disbursements, agricultural financing, educational stipends, healthcare insurance schemes, micro-contributions, and micro-pensions, boasting a decade-long validity period.

Implications of the New Nigerian ID Cards:

However, the announcement of these forthcoming national ID cards hasn’t been met without its fair share of skepticism.

Detractors argue that this initiative represents a redundant duplication of efforts, constituting an unjustifiable squandering of resources. They contend that existing platforms such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) systems adequately fulfill the intended objectives of these proposed cards.

As Nigeria gears up for the much-anticipated launch of its new national ID cards, the discourse surrounding its efficacy and potential redundancy continues to simmer. Yet, amidst the cacophony of voices, one thing remains unequivocal: the nation’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its digital infrastructure and fostering inclusivity for all its citizens.