This may be good news for Nigerians if the news eventually turns to reality (maybe all I will need to do is get a new e ID card instead of renewing my passport). *gulps my cranberry grape juice*
According to ThisDayLive:
“The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is pushing for the use of the new national e-Identity card as travel document.
One of the applets imbedded in the card has all the travel details and requirements contained in Nigeria’s e-passport and it is known as Travel Applet, so it could easily be used as travel document with the approval of the international community.
Head, Card Management Services, NIMC, Mr. Tunji Durodola, told THISDAY that the back of the NIMC eID Card contains three lines called MRZ Lines (Machine Readable Zone) just like the Passport.
In addition, NIMC also has included all the details found on the e-Passport in the chip of the card, which makes it eligible and legal to be used as travel document.
But for other countries to recognise the use of the nation e-ID card, its usage must be included in the bilateral agreement among countries that partner with Nigeria and this agreement must be recognised by the countries’ immigration and such countries must have inspection devices that Durodola also explained that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) support the use of electronic visas (e-Visas) as travel document but with specification that dovetails with ICAO recommendation”.
