Accessibility, security, trust, convenience and cost effectiveness have been identified as key features of the exclusive biometric identity card for the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) by Heritage Bank Plc.

The move by the bank was to strengthen its existing relationship with the musicians, leading to the innovation of the multipurpose card.

The card, which would also serve the allied operators in the entertainment industry, makes Heritage Bank the pioneer of the biometric card services in the industry.

Renewable annually, the PMAN Membership Biometric Identity Card (PMBIC) will serve as the official identification card that qualifies the holder as a genuine member of the association and entitles the artiste to enjoy the myriad benefits and privileges due to registered members.

According to a statement signed by the bank’s Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Olusola Longe-Okenimkpe, the scheme is to create a robust and protective platform for all Nigerian singers, back-up singers, instrumentalists, dancers, comedians, script writers, film producers, actors and actresses, distributors, marketers, Disc Jockeys (DJs) and artiste managers among others.

“It is to globally authenticate each artiste’s involvement in the Nigerian music and entertainment industry. It also offers members the opportunity to encode and barcode their works and intellectual property through the Global System One (GSI), to prevent unauthorised duplications or usage.

“It further guarantees payment of royalties through the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS).