Re: Nigeria launches national electronic ID cards

On 8/29/14 11:28 AM, Melvin Carvalho wrote:
> Note: Nigeria is expected to overtake china in population by end of 
> the century
>
> MasterCard is providing the prepaid payment element and it hopes 
> millions of Nigerians without bank accounts will now gain access to 
> financial services.
>
> "The card is not only a means of certifying your identity, but also a 
> personal database repository and payment card, all in your pocket," 
> President Jonathan said at the launch in the capital, Abuja.
>
> "I have taken keen interest in this project, primarily because of the 
> pervasive impact it can have on every facet of the socio-economic 
> fabric of our dear nation," he said.
>
> According to Nigeria's central bank, about 30% of the country's 167 
> million inhabitants have access to bank accounts, Bloomberg news 
> agency reports.
>
> "It breaks down one of the most significant barriers to financial 
> inclusion - proof of identity," MasterCard's Daniel Monehin said in a 
> statement.
>
> The Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which is behind 
> the rollout, is trying to integrate several government databases 
> including those for driving licences, voter registration, health 
> insurance, taxes and pensions.
>
> http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28970411

Key excerpt:

""The card is not only a means of certifying your identity, but also a 
personal database repository and payment card, all in your pocket," 
President Jonathan said at the launch in the capital, Abuja. "

You have a debit/credit/national identity card hybrid.

No comment.


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