2 Best APIs for Mobile SDK (iOS/Android) in Nigeria

MetaMap (formerly known as Mati) is a global identity verification and KYC (Know Your Customer) platform that enables businesses to verify the identities of their users through document scanning, liveness detection, biometric face matching, and direct database verification against government records. For Nigerian businesses, MetaMap provides native verification of Nigerian government-issued identity documents and databases — NIN (National Identification Number), BVN (Bank Verification Number), CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) registrations, international passports, driver's licenses, and voter cards — making it one of the most comprehensive KYC solutions available for the Nigerian market. **What MetaMap Does** MetaMap provides a complete identity verification pipeline with multiple layers: **1. Document OCR and Authentication** Users submit a photo or scan of a government-issued ID. MetaMap's OCR engine automatically extracts all text fields (name, date of birth, ID number, expiry date), classifies the document type, and performs authenticity checks (detecting tampering, font anomalies, security feature violations). Supported Nigerian documents include: - NIN card (National Identity Card) - International passport (Nigerian e-passport) - Driver's license (FRSC-issued) - Voter's card (INEC-issued) - BVN-linked bank account identity **2. Liveness Detection** A selfie-based liveness challenge confirms the user is physically present and not using a photo or video replay attack. MetaMap's liveness detection uses active challenges (blinking, turning head, smiling) combined with passive AI analysis to detect spoofing attempts, meeting the requirements of ISO 30107-3 Presentation Attack Detection standards. **3. Biometric Face Match** After liveness confirmation, MetaMap compares the selfie against the photo on the submitted ID document. The biometric match score determines whether the person holding the ID is the same person pictured on it — the core protection against using stolen documents. **4. Database Verification (Nigeria-Specific)** Beyond document verification, MetaMap queries Nigerian government databases directly: - **NIN verification**: Validates the NIN number against NIMC (National Identity Management Commission) records - **BVN verification**: Validates the Bank Verification Number against CBN/NIBSS records - **CAC verification**: Validates Nigerian business registration numbers against CAC records for KYB (Know Your Business) checks - **Driver's license**: Validates against FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) database This database verification layer is critical — it confirms the document is not only authentic but also belongs to the specific individual presenting it. **5. AML Watchlist Screening** MetaMap screens names against global sanctions lists (OFAC, EU, UN), PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) databases, and adverse media sources — an essential layer for Nigerian financial institutions complying with FATF recommendations and CBN AML/CFT regulations. **6. KYB (Know Your Business)** For B2B onboarding, MetaMap supports business verification: confirming Nigerian company registration status through CAC, verifying beneficial ownership, and screening company names and directors against sanctions databases. **How Developers Integrate MetaMap** MetaMap provides multiple integration options: - **Web SDK**: A JavaScript SDK that renders the complete KYC flow in-browser — camera capture, liveness challenge, and document upload in a white-labeled UI - **Mobile SDK (iOS and Android)**: Native SDKs for embedding the KYC flow directly into mobile apps, leveraging the device camera and biometric capabilities - **REST API**: For server-side orchestration — submit pre-captured images via API for processing without using the UI SDKs - **No-Code Flow Links**: Generate a unique verification link to share with users who complete KYC via a web browser without any custom integration Authentication uses OAuth 2.0 client credentials: exchange your API client ID and secret for an access token, then use the token for all API calls. **Webhooks** MetaMap sends webhook notifications when verification status changes — approved, rejected, or pending manual review. This enables real-time onboarding automation without polling. **Pricing** MetaMap uses custom, volume-based pricing. There is no published self-serve pricing — businesses contact MetaMap sales to negotiate pricing based on: - Verification volume (number of checks per month) - Document types required (NIN + BVN database checks cost more than document-only checks) - Geographic markets - Contract length A free sandbox environment is available for development and testing. **Nigerian Regulatory Context** Nigerian fintech regulation requires KYC compliance at multiple tiers: - **CBN KYC Regulations**: Tiered KYC (Tier 1/2/3) for mobile money and payment service banks - **NDPR Compliance**: MetaMap processes biometric data — a special category under Nigeria's NDPR requiring explicit consent and enhanced data protection measures - **FATF Recommendations**: AML screening is required for financial institutions and virtual asset service providers MetaMap's Nigerian document verification and AML screening capabilities directly address these regulatory requirements, enabling Nigerian fintechs to demonstrate compliance during CBN examinations. **Company Background** MetaMap was founded in 2019 as Mati Identity and rebranded to MetaMap around 2021. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with strong emerging market focus, particularly in Latin America and Africa. They have raised significant venture funding and serve hundreds of businesses globally. MetaMap's Nigerian operations include direct integrations with NIN, BVN, and CAC databases — demonstrating a genuine commitment to the Nigerian market rather than a generic global solution applied superficially. MetaMap is a leading choice for Nigerian businesses that need comprehensive, end-to-end KYC with native Nigerian database verification, biometric liveness detection, and AML screening in a single integrated platform.