Nigeria: BankID- A Game-Changer for Digital Identity in Nigeria

Amid Nigeria’s digital revolution, a groundbreaking innovation has emerged—BankID, a product brought to life by Finsel DGI, a fully Nigerian-owned venture. The brainchild of tech visionary Confidence Jackmay and product manager Chigozie Lemoha, BankID is not just an authentication system; it represents a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a digital powerhouse.

Confidence Jackmay and Chigozie Lemoha, each bringing their unique expertise and passion for Nigeria, joined forces to create BankID. Their combined strengths in technology and strategy paved the way for this innovative solution.

BankID’s journey involved navigating a regulatory path, earning the approval and collaboration of key national institutions like NDPC, NITDA, and NIMC. This collaborative approach ensured transparency and set the stage for a homegrown identity solution that could rival the best worldwide.

Inspired by global best practices while staying deeply rooted in their Nigerian heritage, the founders of BankID envisioned more than just a product; it was a movement to empower citizens. Their international exposure to tech environments and profound love for Nigeria fueled their mission to create a homegrown identity solution that could stand alongside the world’s best.

BankID simplifies the complex world of digital identities, offering a seamless and secure online authentication experience. Anchored in the Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN), BankID empowers citizens to safeguard their identity while accessing a vast array of digital services.

This groundbreaking product acts as a bridge, connecting the people of Nigeria with the boundless opportunities of the digital age.

The ultimate goal? A digitally borderless Pan-Africa with Nigeria at the forefront. BankID is not just a product; it aspires to establish a trusted framework for e-commerce both within Nigeria and beyond its borders. As digital identities take center stage, BankID enhances reliability and security.

The journey of BankID commenced in March 2023, driven by the vision of a digital Nigeria. From a stealthy introduction among innovators to the release of the first alpha version, BankID has evolved rapidly.

In September 2023, BankID Console was unveiled, alongside BankID Mobil beta-v0.0.3 and microservice API documentation suites, marking the end of the stealth phase.

At the heart of the product is BankID Mobil, a digital mobile ID firewall linked to the Nigerian NIN. Through BankID Mobil, every Nigerian gains control over their identity, ensuring responsible access and use of their data. From transaction verification to document signing and website logins, BankID simplifies the digital experience, prioritizing the end-user.

Presently, the company actively seeks transparent collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Digital Economy. The focus is on harmonizing data to align with national goals, opening doors to growth and collaboration.

BankID offers a unique identity framework in Nigeria by placing the power of digital innovation back in the hands of citizens. It allows individuals to bring their innovative ideas to life without the constraints of third-party authentication systems.

“We believe in providing higher value to our customers at a lower cost, making digital innovation accessible to all.”

Unlike many startups that rely on external investments, the founders chose a path of self-reliance. Confidence Jackmay has self-funded BankID, investing not only money but also passion, time, and expertise. This self-funded approach underscores their unwavering dedication to the cause and their desire to build something truly meaningful for Nigeria.

Looking ahead, BankID’s mission remains crystal clear: to safeguard the data of Nigeria’s vast human resources and empower every citizen with a trusted digital identity. Beyond being a product, it’s a movement to bolster Nigeria’s potential in the digital landscape. The company invites developers to explore the BankID Console and start developing with its authentication and signature scopes after generating their credentials.

It’s as simple as plug-and-play, enabling developers to contribute to the digital transformation of Nigeria and shape the future of Africa, one secure digital identity at a time.