MasterCard Intros Payments-Enabled Identity Smart Cards In Nigeria

By PYMNTS | May 8, 2013

The Nigerian National Identity Management Commission and MasterCard announced they will commence a pilot program that will include a rollout of 13 million MasterCard-branded National Identity Smart Cards with ePayment capabilities. This program represents the largest ePayment solution launch in Nigeria as well as the broadest financial inclusion scheme of its kind in Africa. Nigerians 16 and older, and people who have lived in the country for more than two years, will be given the new multipurpose identity card. There are 13 applications available on the card, including MasterCard’s prepaid payment technology.

Michael Miebach, president of MasterCard Middle East and Africa, said, “MasterCard has been a firm supporter of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Cashless Policy, as we share a vision of a world beyond cash. From the program’s inception, we have provided the Federal Government of Nigeria with global insidhgts and best practices on how electronic payments can enable economic growth and create a more financially inclusive economy.”