Its very long.

United States President, Donald had through a telephone conversation reached out to two African leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

Both men, presiding over the continent’s largest economies, have faced public dissent in the past week. Across major cities in Nigeria, protests were held decrying difficult living conditions amid Nigeria’s economic recession. Jacob Zuma, on the other hand, saw his State of the Nation speech delayed and disrupted by opposition members of parliament who repeated long-running allegations of corruption against Zuma.

Trump, who spoke with Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi back in November, has shown little to no interest in Africa as a candidate over the last year or in the first few weeks of his presidency till now.

According to White House press release on the... Read more: http://360reporters.com/2017/02/president-trump-discussed-phone-nigeria-south-africa-leaders/

Lalasticlala The Country needs to know about this...

More Photos/details here =>http://360reporters.com/2017/02/armed-robbers-travellers-lagos-ore-road/

It was pandemonium last night as the flow of traffic along the ever busy Lagos Ore road was brought to a grinding stop following armed robbery operation around ore section of the road.

An eye witness who gave the information to 360Reporters stated that the robbery began around 11pm, Friday night, forcing travelers to disembark and hide far away from the robbery scene. The eyewitness said some police officers arrived their hiding place around 3 AM, Saturday morning but left hurriedly after gathering information from them in an apparent retreat. It was after the military arrived this morning, when the robbers had already left, that the travelers summoned courage to continue with their journey. Images of the stranded travelers and their buses can be seen below.

Source: http://360reporters.com/2017/02/armed-robbers-travellers-lagos-ore-road/

He kinda looks cute

More Photos...
Source:http://360reporters.com/2017/02/photo-long-braided-man-nigerian-city/

The man braid trend is gaining serious momentum in Nigeria thanks to musicians Phyno and Tekno and a host of other entertainers/celebrities. But this young man may have taken the braided men style to a shocking new level with his very long braids almost touching his legs.

According to an ireporter who sent us these images, the pictures were captured in the ever busy town of Onitsha in Anambra State, eastern Nigeria. The long braided man can be seen minding his business irrespective of the attention he is getting from passers-by and onlookers. Check out the photos below and tell us what you think.

http://360reporters.com/2017/02/photo-long-braided-man-nigerian-city/

The management of the Nigeria Police Force has made available a portal where citizens can apply for the character clearance certificate issued by the force.
To apply, interested persons are to follow the procedure outlined below;

PROCESS OF OBTAINING CHARACTER CLEARANCE

1. Visit http://npf.gov.ng/character/
2. Fill the Application form on the right hand side of the portal to obtain an Application ID.
3. Complete the Application Process by Login in with email provided and the Application ID generated.
4. Take the Print-out to the nearest State Police Command Headquarters, and ask of the Forensic Expert for Guidance.
For more information contact: Email: ncis@npf.gov.ng

Source: http://360reporters.com/2016/08/obtain-nigeria-police-character-clearance/

If want the money, come and collect it. lol

Is the Church now going too far with their promotional strategies?

Check out this somewhat hilarious poster our reporter captured somewhere in the eastern part of Nigeria.

Source: http://360reporters.com/2016/03/central-bank-heaven-church-poster/

Lets watch as the judicial drama continue to play out

Chris Uba, the man allegedly behind the 2003 crisis in Anambra State where the then sitting governor (Dr Chris Ngige) was kidnapped, has been named a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial district. This is following a judgement of the Nigerian supreme court on 29th January, 2016 that Chris Uba is the rightful PDP candidate for the 2015 senatorial election in the zone in place of his brother, Andy Uba who eventually won the election.

In a case brought before the supreme court by a factional chairman of the state PDP, Ejike Oguebego, the apex court declared Oguebego the authentic chairman of PDP in the state. The court also ruled that the candidates' list submitted to INEC prior to the election by Oguebego is the authentic list as against the list submitted by the Emeakayi led faction which was eventually accepted by INEC for the elections.

Senator Chris Uba Andy uba
From L-R Senator Andy Uba and brother Senator Chris Uba
Going by the ruling, all current Federal Legislators, both senators and house of rep members, representing Anambra state in the National Assembly has been sacked. Those affected by the ruling include; Senator Andy Uba (to be replaced by his brother, Chris Uba for Anambra South), Senator Stella Oduah (to be replaced by Jhon Emeka for Anambra North), Hon Obinna Chidoka (to be replaced by Charles Odedo for Idemili North-South), Hon Eucharia Azodo (to be replaced by Tony Offiah for Aguata), Hon Emeka Azubogu (to be replaced by Julius Ofoma for Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo), Hon Anayo Nnebe (to be replaced by Emma Nweke for Awka North-South), Hon Chukwuka Onyema (to be replaced by Benny Obaze for Ogbaru), among others.

The ruling has thrown Anambra into a state of confusion as the new candidates, [url]360reporters.com[/url] learnt, are very unpopular for some reasons. Chris Uba, for instance, was recently fingered in Ekitigate scandal where he was said to have assisted the rigging of the 2015 Ekiti governorship election in favour of the incumbent Ayodele Fayose. It is also on record that Chris Uba is now the third person from the same family to represent Anambra South as a senator after his elder brother Andy Uba (2011 - 2015), and the eldest Senator Ugochukwu Uba (2003 - 2007).

Recall also that on 7th December 2015, an appellate court in Enugu nullified the election of Uche Ekwunife as the Senator representing Anambra Central and ordered a fresh election within 90 days. The fresh election will now be held between Chief Victor Umeh of Apga, the new PDP candidate, Sen. Annie Okonkwo, and the new APC candidate, Sharon Ikeazor replacing Sen. Chris Ngige who is now a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. the Federal Republic of Nigeria.lic of Nigeria.

http://360reporters.com/2016/01/mastermind-of-2003-anambra-crisis-2015-ekitigate-now-a-senator-as-nigerian-supreme-court-delivers-shocking-judgement/

Pictures please?

#BBMAs 2015 Result Out!

Taylor Swift was the biggest winner at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards which held yesterday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show was hosted by rapper Ludacris and Jhon Legend's model wife, Chrissy Teigen.

See the full list of finalists and winners below:

TOP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER

TOP COUNTRY ARTIST
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line -- WINNER
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton

BILLBOARD CHART ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY (FAN-VOTED)
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor

TOP TOURING ARTIST
Lady Gaga
One Direction -- WINNER
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake

TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor

TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
MAGIC!, "Rude"
Nico & Vinz, "Am I Wrong"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy

TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
​Justin Timberlake

TOP RAP SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy" -- WINNER
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, "Black Widow"
Big Sean feat. E-40, "I Don't F--- With You"
Nicki Minaj, "Anaconda"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, x
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989 -- WINNER

TOP DUO/GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction -- WINNER

TOP NEW ARTIST
5 Seconds of Summer
Iggy Azalea
Hozier
Sam Smith -- WINNER
​Meghan Trainor

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER

TOP HOT 100 ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor

TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor

TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
Taylor Swift

TOP SOCIAL ARTIST
Justin Bieber -- WINNER
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift

TOP STREAMING ARTIST
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP R&B ARTIST
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams -- WINNER

TOP RAP ARTIST
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd

TOP ROCK ARTIST
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier -- WINNER
Lorde

TOP LATIN ARTIST
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos -- WINNER

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris -- WINNER
Lindsey Stirling

TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United -- WINNER
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

TOP SOUNDTRACK
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen -- WINNER
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods

TOP R&B ALBUM
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L -- WINNER

TOP RAP ALBUM
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive -- WINNER
Drake, If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

TOP COUNTRY ALBUM
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt -- WINNER
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum

TOP ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories -- WINNER
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine

TOP LATIN ALBUM
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me -- WINNER

TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Lecrae, Anomaly -- WINNER
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red

TOP HOT 100 SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"

TOP DIGITAL SONG
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, "Uptown Funk!"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass" -- WINNER
Pharrell Williams, "Happy

TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church"
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Tove Lo, "Habits (Stay High)"

TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO)
Idina Menzel, "Let It Go"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off" -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"

TOP R&B SONG
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, "Loyal"
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, "Talk Dirty"
Jeremih feat. YG, "Don't Tell 'Em"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy" -- WINNER

TOP COUNTRY SONG
Jason Aldean, "Burnin' It Down" -- WINNER
Luke Bryan, "Play It Again"
Sam Hunt, "Leave the Night On"
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll"
Florida Georgia Line, "Dirt"

TOP ROCK SONG
Bastille, "Pompeii"
Coldplay, "A Sky Full of Stars"
Fall Out Boy, "Centuries"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church" -- WINNER
Paramore, "Ain't It Fun"

TOP LATIN SONG
J Balvin feat. Farruko, "6 AM"
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, "Bailando" -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, "Eres Mía"
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, "Odio"
Romeo Santos, "Propuesta Indecente"

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, "Rather Be"
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, "Latch"
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, "Turn Down For What" -- WINNER
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, "Break Free"
Calvin Harris, "Summer"

TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Francesca Battistelli, "He Knows My Name"
Hillsong United, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
MercyMe, "Greater"
Newsboys, "We Believe"
Carrie Underwood, "Something in the Water" -- WINNER

Source: http://360reporters.com/2015/05/full-list-billboard-music-awards-2015-winners/

What change will it necessary bring if Obama is there or not?

This is getting more interesting. What exactly is Mr Jonathan planning?

Joining the millions of Fans and Tv viewers worldwide who weren’t generally impressed with the fight between undefeated American champion Floyd Mayweather and his Filipino couterpart, Manny Pacquiao, the internationally renowned Nollywood actress, who just watched a boxing match for the first time took to twitter to express her disappointment with the match that has generated so much buzz in the media.

She also gave her opinion on the outcome of the match, alleging that Mayweather was just being smart while her favourite Pacquiao was more into the game. See tweats below;






Pacquiao who lost to Mayweather in the hugely hyped “fight of the century” has since blamed a shoulder injury for the loss.
Source: http://360reporters.com/2015/05/omotala-not-very-impressed-with-the-mayweather-pacquiao-match/

Jonathan's injury time politics? I just wish 29th May is tomorrow

You may choose to call it the Buhari effect and you wouldn’t be wrong. Following the recent threat by the Nigeria president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to probe the alleged missing $20billion from the federation account, the federal government under president Goodluck Jhonathan has now made public the findings of PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited (PwC), the company contracted to carry out a forensic Audit Report on missing funds in NNPC.


Brief Summary Findings

Based on the work conducted by our team from the commencement of this mandate up until 29 January 2015, our conclusions are as follows;
* Total gross revenues generated from FGN crude oil liftings was $69.34bn and NOT $67 billion as earlier stated by the Reconciliation Committee for the period from January 2012 to July 2013.

* Total cash remitted into the Federation accounts in relation to crude oil liftings was $50.81bn and NOT $47bn as earlier stated by the Reconciliation Committee for the period from January 2012 to July 2013.

* NNPC has provided information on the difference leading to a potential excess remittance of $0.74 billion (without considering expected remittances from NPDC). Other indirect costs of $2.81billion which were not part of the submission to the Senate Committee hearing have been defrayed to arrive at this position.

* The resulting potential excess remittance indicates that the Corporation operates an unsustainable model. Forty six percent (46%) of proceeds of domestic crude oil revenues for the review period was spent on operations and subsidies. The Corporation is unable to sustain monthly remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and also meet its operational costs entirely from the proceeds of domestic crude oil revenues, and have had to incur third party liabilities to bridge the funding gap. Furthermore, the review period recorded international crude oil prices averaging $122.5 per barrel (Average Platts prices for 2012). As at the time of concluding this report, international crude oil prices average about $46.07 per barrel, which is about sixty two percent (62%) reduction when compared to the crude oil prices for the review period. If the NNPC overhead costs and subsidies are maintained (assuming crude oil production volumes are maintained), the corporation may have to exhaust all the proceeds of domestic crude oil sales, and may still require third party liabilities to meet costs of operations and subsidies, and may not be able to make any remittances to FAAC.

* We therefore recommend that the NNPC model of operation must be urgently reviewed and restructured, as the current model which has been in operation since the creation of the Corporation cannot be sustained.

* The report reflects the fact that $3.38 billion was spent on DPK subsidy for the review period. We also confirmed using third party vessel tracking platforms that all vessels carrying NNPC cargoes arrived in Nigeria within the periods disclosed by PPPRA.

* A major consideration centers on the ownership of oil and gas assets controlled by NPDC. Subject to additional information being provided, we estimate that the NNPC and NPDC should refund to the Federation Account a minimum of $1.48billion as summarised in the next page.

* A determination is required as to whether all or a portion of ‘other costs not directly attributable to crude oil operations can be defrayed by NNPC.

* Other Findings
For the period reviewed, we identified possible errors in the computation of crude oil prices at the NNPC that resulted in a $3.6 million shortfall in incomes to the Federation account. The major beneficiaries were Fujairah Refinery – $805,545, NNPC (KRPC/WRPC) – $697,995 and NNPC (COMD) – $2,107,275. Subsequent to our identification of this issue, NNPC has amended the errors, and have reflected the amendments in the remittances to FAAC in October 2014.

* Our review of the DPK sales process revealed that NNPC sells DPK to bulk DPK marketers in Nigeria at N40.90 per litre at a location on the coastal waterways (off shore Lagos). The expected/official regulated retail price of DPK in Nigeria is N50 per litre. This retail price of N50 comprises the Ex-depot price of N34.51 and a Margin of N15.49. NNPC should be required to explain the reason for selling DPK at N40.90, rather than the regulated Ex-depot price of N34.51. The Corporation should also be required to explain the reason for selling DPK to bulk DPK marketers at a location on the coastal waterways (off shore Lagos) rather than at the in-country depots.

NNPC explained that the contract the Corporation executes with the kerosene marketers confirms NNPC (PPMC) is responsible for the delivery of DPK to marketers at their assigned depots on shore. The Corporation further explains that the kerosene marketers however opt to receive the product off shore Lagos.
The Corporation further explains that the DPK sales price per litre off shore Lagos includes the following:

Approved sales price 34.51
Bridging allowance 5.85
Marine Transportation Allowance 0.15
PPPRA Admin Charge 0.15
Total 40.66
Unexplained charge 0.24
Sales price off shore Lagos 40.90

View and download full report below;

Download (PDF, 12.1MB)
Source: http://360reporters.com/2015/04/breaking-full-text-of-nnpc-forensic-audit-report-exposes-how-billions-of-dollars-was-stolen-from-nigeria/

Good things happening to the Nigerian music industry, it appears.. + Jay Z is a smart business man

Gbese! E don start o

This is surely good news for music lovers in Nigeria!

Shawn Corey Carter (Jay Z) who is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America has said he is looking to discover new music talents in Nigeria.

Following recent reports that his new business venture, Tidal music streaming service is a flop, the rapper who rarely tweets took to twitter few minutes ago to dispel the rumours.

While making a strong case for the global position of the company, he stated “My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company!”

Recall, Jay Z was recently photographed with popular Nigerian artist, Iceprince Zamani.

See tweets below;

Source: http://360reporters.com/2015/04/tidal-jay-z-in-nigeria-to-discover-new-talents/

Ahead of the 2015 Nigeria general elections, the United States President Barack Obama has sent a special message to the Nigerian people highlighting the opportunity that the upcoming elections present for all Nigerians.

He specifically urged Nigerians and their leaders to shun violence in its totality.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4wo50jiy2Y

The full text transcript of the message can be seen below.

BEGIN TEXT

Hello. Today, I want to speak directly to you—the people of Nigeria.

Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.

Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear.

So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during, or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.

Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped. Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.

I’m told that there is a saying in your country: “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.” Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

END TEXT

Source: http://360reporters.com/2015/03/nigeria-presidential-election-2015-obama-sends-special-message/

Am I the only one that thinks this should be a matter of national emergency? At this moment, I have over 130 unread messages on my phone after deleting so many others. I have on several occasions missed important urgent messages just because I am tired reading my SMSs.
We have to do something very serious to drive NCC and MTN to their senses!

Really? Coming from PGEJ? This is getting more interesting by the day!
In fact elections should be held more often as it appears to be the best fun time, lol.

medicine after death

The card aiming to end Nigeria's fraud problem

Nigeria has a bad reputation when it comes to fraud.

"Dear Friend" emails originating from the country - also known as 419 scams - are among the most notorious in the world, with statistics from Ultrascan AGI suggesting losses from such schemes totalled $12.7bn (£8.2bn) in 2013.

And the number of scams is growing by 5% each year.

"Nigeria certainly has a problem," says Cormac Herley, principal researcher at Microsoft Research, who has looked in detail at 419 scams.

"[The country has] become associated with a particular form of scam that's very visible and known to everyone who receives those emails."

However, identity fraud is also a serious problem.
Identity problems

In May last year, 16 people were charged in the US for using stolen information to obtain money and goods and then shipping them to Nigeria.

Those arrested, most of them Nigerian, were charged with taking over bank or stock brokerage accounts, removing all the money, and making purchases. They were eventually sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

And it is not just foreigners who are targeted by such fraud.

Nigeria's Inter-Bank Settlements Systems estimates the country's banks lost 159 billion naira ($800m; £515m) to electronic fraud between 2000 and 2013.

Faced with its negative international reputation, and local banking losses, the Nigerian government is seeking to address the issue centrally.

Last year, the National Electronic Identity (e-ID) Card was launched in collaboration with MasterCard, with President Goodluck Jonathan the first recipient.
Ending impersonation

The smart card's Match-On-Card technology matches a holder's fingerprint against a profile stored in the embedded chip.

The card is also a travel document, conforming to the same standards as international passports. It contains electronic identification information, as well as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology that allows for document signing, non-repudiation and encryption.

The National eID card is "capable of identifying two identical twins by the use of biometrics," says Chris Onyemenam, chief executive of Nigeria's National Identity Management Commission, which is handling the rollout of the cards.

Part of the problem for Nigeria, which has a population of about 170 million, is that until now it has had no unified national system for recording identity data.
Rooting out fraudsters

The new card is "actually addressing the issue of multiple identities by some Nigerians," explains Mr Onyemenam.

"It is addressing the issue of stolen identity. It is helping security agencies verify and fish out who the real culprit is."

Aside from its identification features, the card offers can be used as a form of payment.

Separated from the other services by a firewall, the payments function uses MasterCard's prepaid technology and is chip and pin certified.

Daniel Monehin, division president for sub-Saharan Africa at MasterCard, says the fact the card has a computer chip embedded protects cardholders from fraud, and protects against the creation of counterfeit cards.

The rollout of the payments-enabled e-ID card will also go some way to addressing another of Nigeria's major issues: lack of access to banking.

Fully 70% of adult Nigerians do not have a formal bank account.

"By giving every Nigerian of 16 and older an identity card with payments functionality, the government can effectively eliminate financial exclusion in Nigeria, and help citizens to improve their livelihoods," says Mr Monehin.

"The broader economic impact of the card will be felt as the previously unbanked and under-banked are able to gain access to the mainstream economy and the visibility of their assets allows them to build a financial history and establish creditworthiness with financial institutions."

This will be particularly helpful to small and medium-sized enterprises, Mr Monehin adds, which will now be able to access the financing that they need to grow their businesses.
Privacy concerns

The eID card has, however, caused some controversy.

Civil liberties organisation Privacy International has raised concerns about the data integration, saying it would make it easy to link together pieces of information about a person.

It is also concerned about the combination of the identity scheme with a strongly commercial initiative such as the bank card.

Concerns were also expressed on popular Nigerian social networking site Nairaland.

"The future of 170 million Nigerians sold to MasterCard," said one user, while others said they were worried about their personal data and how it would be used.

MasterCard, however, has reiterated that the banking function is separate from the others and it does not have access to the identity information of any Nigerians.
'Time will tell'

Nigeria is actually ahead of the game globally in terms of rolling out such identity cards, with identity analyst firm Acuity Market Intelligence forecasting half the world's population will have a chip-based National e-ID card in five years time.

For Nigerians themselves, however, the proof will be in the pudding.

Paul Adepoju, who lives in the city of Ibadan, says many Nigerians are not aware of the threat of identity theft due to the low level of education about e-banking.

He added, however, that if the government could facilitate easier uptake of the cards, there was nothing to say this would not be successful.

"At least they are doing something, and we have to be optimistic that something somewhere and somehow could, would and should work.

"It could be this one - we will only know when every Nigerian has got it."

source: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31438226