Nigerians are closer in achieving the smart ID project now that the Nigerian Identity Management Commission has made good progress in integrating the technology behind the project. The commission will now use SPS (Smart Packaging Solutions), NXP Semiconductors and MasterCard.
SPS is specialized in eCards and banking cards while NXP is an American listed company with experience in innovation in the automotive, identification and mobile industries. MasterCard brings the financial transaction part of the project.
The body has identified the technology that they will use to roll out the pilot project aimed to give 13 million citizens the digitally advanced identity cards. The cards will also have MasterCard capabilities being one of its kind in Africa.
The card includes a MasterCard prepaid functionality as well as 12 other applications. The pilot is bound to be a success as 21 local financial institutions have applied for licenses
“The National Identity Smart Card project will support financial inclusion as it allows us to bring financial services to all classes of the Nigerian population. Nigeria is home to the largest roll-out of a combination of electronic ID card with a formal electronic payment solution in the world,” Chris ‘E Onyemenam, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Identity Management Commission, said
“This represents the broadest financial inclusion initiative in Africa. We are very happy to have technology experts such as SPS, NXP Semiconductors and MasterCard aboard the Nigerian eID card project as this will ensure the technical success of the roll out program that will mean the issuance of over 100 million cards.”