President Jonathan launches MasterCard-branded National Electronic Identity Card (E-Id Card)

President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday, formally launched the issuance process for the National Electronic Identity Card (E-Id Card).

The launch was held at the banquet hall, Presidential Villa.

While speaking at the launch, Jonathan expressed joy that the important milestone, in the roll out of the National Identity Management System, (NIMS), had been realised with the E-Id Card launch.


The president said he was impressed with the quality of the e-ID Card and the work of the corporate partners that made it possible.

He commended MasterCard World-Wide Corporation and Access Bank Plc, as well as the Commission, who followed all laid down procedures in achieving a World-class product.

Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will issue MasterCard-branded identity cards with electronic payments functionality to 13 million Nigerians. This initiative is the largest rollout of a biometric-based verification card with an electronic payment solution in the country and the broadest financial inclusion program in Africa.

The eID card forms a key component of the Nigerian Identity Management System, deployed by NIMC as part of its mandate to create, maintain and operate the country’s first central National Identity Database and provide proof of identity to Nigerians 16 years and older.

With 13 applications, including MasterCard’s prepaid payment technology and Cryptovision’s biometric identification technology, the eID card will provide millions of Nigerians – the majority of whom have never had access to a banking product – with the security, convenience and reliability of electronic payments.