August 29, 2014 – President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday launched the National Electronic Identity Card (e-ID Card) scheme in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President said he is happy that the roll out of the National Identity Management System, (NIMS), has been realised.
“ I am impressed with the quality of the e-ID Card and the work of the corporate partners that have made it possible. I commend especially the 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. The combination of intricate security features and other multiple functions in the e-ID Card, improving its functionality and versatility is also significant”, he said.
He noted that following successful local and international tests, the e-Card Scheme has now finally taken off.
“ It is important that the Commission’s on-going efforts at ensuring local content capacity in the Card Body production process is sustained with the same zeal as the meticulous rechecks of ensuring payment functionality, in compliance with international best practice”, he said adding that such high standard will help create economic and employment opportunities, consistent with the commitment to national transformation.
‘We must at the onset keep in mind that the journey to capture the populace, by issuing over 100million Cards has just begun. You should therefore ensure that the issuance process is prompt and swift enough to enable many more Nigerians obtain their own e-ID Cards, as soon as possible”, the President said adding that the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, will oversee that funding requirements, as budgeted.
He emphasised the need to ensure that the e-ID Card issuance process, proceeds smoothly, and that all MDAs, and indeed the private sector, can benefit from its designed functionalities, as soon as possible. He called on the commission to immediately complement the efforts of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) and Pension Department by ensuring that Federal Civil Servants and Pensioners are enrolled and issued their Cards promptly, so that the e-ID and the secure payment platform can both facilitate speedy and safe payment of salaries and pensions.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said with the launch of the e-ID card, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has done what all other governments have failed to do.
He said the card will soon be integrated into all other payment platforms such that with the card it will be possible for any holder to carryout transactions anywhere in the world.
