The Federal Government has rolled out the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), a major step toward improving identity management, boosting regional security, and deepening integration across West Africa.
The launch ceremony took place on Friday in Abuja under the theme “ENBIC: Enhancing Regional Integration and Security.”
A Key Milestone in Tinubu’s Border Security Agenda
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for smarter border control and stronger regional security systems.
According to him, “The card provides the framework for more reliable identification across borders, which is essential in tackling insecurity.”
Tunji-Ojo explained that although the programme began over a decade ago, its full implementation has been achieved under the current administration. With this rollout, Nigeria becomes the seventh ECOWAS member state to introduce the biometric ID, representing progress in regional migration reform.
A Regional Project Years in the Making
ECOWAS adopted the biometric identity card in 2014 to replace the handwritten ECOWAS Travel Certificate.
Senegal became the first country to issue the card on October 4, 2016.
By mid-2023, only six countries had fully adopted it:
Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
Nigeria’s deployment now raises that number to seven.
The ENBIC functions as:
- A regional identification card
- A travel document
- A residence permit
Advanced Biometric Features for Secure Identification
The card contains a secure electronic chip holding both biometric and personal data, including photographs, fingerprints, and birth details, helping to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the biometric ID will:
- Facilitate legal migration
- Reduce irregular cross-border movements
- Strengthen security operations
- Boost trade and economic activity
- Improve regional mobility
He added that the next phase includes integrating ENBIC into the ICAO Public Key Directory to ensure smooth verification at airports and land borders across ECOWAS and beyond.
“The ENBIC will enhance intelligence gathering and give security agencies the reliable data they need to protect citizens,” he said.
Simplified Travel for Nigerians Across ECOWAS
The minister also highlighted that the card will reduce demand for Nigerian passports, as travellers within the ECOWAS region will no longer need an international passport. This will especially benefit traders, frequent travellers, and small business owners.
He further revealed that Nigeria and other ECOWAS states are exploring a regional migration database, similar to Europe’s Schengen system, to support stronger cross-border security coordination.
Immigration Service Praises Regional Collaboration
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, described the rollout as a major achievement demonstrating Nigeria’s dedication to regional cooperation.
She stated that the biometric identity card will facilitate:
- Safer, faster travel
- Improved border security
- Increased tourism and investment
- Smoother movement of goods and people
- Greater regional integration
Nandap also recognised the contributions of ECOWAS Ambassadors and international development partners, UN-IOM, EU, ICMPD, GIZ, UNIDO, alongside security agencies and the media, for helping bring the project to completion.
