New NIMC multipurpose card will boost economy – DG

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja 

Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has said that the newly developed General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) has the potential to foster economic growth and also enhances the lives of Nigerians. 

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Coker-Odusote said that the card possesses multifunctional capabilities, which include online, and offline identity verification, financial inclusion, social inclusion, and biometric authentication.   The DG explains that the GMPC was designed to address key challenges in Nigeria, particularly for the unbanked people who have been excluded from accessing government and private sector services.

She said: “The advantage and beauty of this card is that it is not just a simple card with no functionality. You can use it to verify your identity on the spot, both online and offline. You can also use it for financial services. You can also use it to access government services. It basically bridges the divide between government and its people and that is one of the core focus mandates of NIMC.

“This card caters to everyone, whether you are illiterate, elite, poor, old, young, or even a mother managing her children’s needs. The key word is making sure that the average citizen in Nigeria can carry out his daily functions seemingly and we are going to achieve that with this new ID card that NIMC has worked so hard to develop.” The NIMC boss further disclosed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of an efficient data-driven government.  She said the GMPC will not only serve residents within Nigeria, but also citizens in the diaspora, who will have access to an e-version of the card on their mobile devices for transactions and services.