The yesterday's launch of the new Nigerian National Identity Cards containing the branded logo of the American firm MasterCard ignited hot discussions and rage with people across the country demanding for cards withdrawal.
On Thursday, August 29, President Goodluck Jonathan received his eID card, similar ones that will be issued to more than 13 million Nigerians and after the completion of the pilot program – to more than 100 million.
However the country citizens got infuriated over the fact that the Nigerian authorities, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), not only provided biometrics of 170 million Nigerians to a foreign commercial company but also allowed them to stamp its insignia, the MasterCard symbol on the cards, which are supposed to be a symbol of national sovereignty and pride.
According to Premium Times, Nigerians also recalled the leaked facts of surveillance carried out by National Security Agency of the US, where MasterCard head office is located.
One of the commentators said that the Nigerians MasterCard's emblem on the card could be compared to the trans-Atlantic slave trade abolished in the 19th century.
Shehu Sani of the Civil Rights Congress who criticized the new ID cards , which are later to be given to Nigerians from 16 years of age and older, said:
"The new ID card with a MasterCard logo does not represent an identity of a Nigerian. It simply represents a stamped ownership of a Nigerian by an American company. It is reminiscent of the logo pasted on the bodies of African slaves transported across the Atlantic."
The cards, which were supposed to provide the Nigerians with numerous benefits and conveniences, did not bring the desired optimism, as a key instrument recognised by the federal constitution will host the logo of a foreign private entity.
Lead Director of Centre for Social Justice Eze Onyekpere was quoted saying:
"Nigeria's colours and coat of arms is what should be there. As far as we are concerned it cannot stand. It is not worth it if that's what they have done."
Apart from national issues, economic and security implications came as special concern for many Nigerians. It was interpreted that all adult Nigerians are forced to become compulsory customers of MasterCard by receiving their eIDs.
Regarding the security, the former FCT minister Nasir El-Rufai said:
"Clearly, there are National Security implication. All these data go to the American payment platform."
As for the economic consequences, the reader named Ola Onanugaola said:
"Good idea but bad implementation.
Why do we have to brand the e-ID card? Are these people aware of the huge economic and security implications of the branding. "Any country population database/information is too vital to attached to any non-governmental organisation."
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