BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the European Union (EU), has intensified efforts to promote the effective implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) to facilitate legitimate movement across member states.
The organisations made the call at a one-day media sensitisation workshop in Lagos, which brought together relevant stakeholders and media practitioners to deepen understanding of the ENBIC initiative and its importance to regional integration, security and economic development.
In his welcome remarks, the IOM Country Manager, represented by the Head of IOM Sub-Office in Lagos, Mr Ali Ibrahim, said the launch of the ENBIC in Nigeria in 2025 demonstrated the country’s continued leadership and commitment to implementing regional integration instruments.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at making travel within West Africa easier, safer, more secure and predictable for citizens of ECOWAS member states.
Ibrahim said the ENBIC initiative aligns with the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, while also contributing to international and national migration objectives and supporting the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
He commended the ECOWAS Commission for its coordination efforts in supporting member states in the implementation process, assuring that IOM remained committed to providing technical assistance, capacity development, operational guidance, knowledge sharing and implementation support.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Passport and Other Travel Documents, Mrs Titi Olaiya, described the ENBIC as more than a travel document.
Nandap said the biometric card was a vital instrument for deeper regional integration, designed to facilitate the legitimate and seamless movement of ECOWAS citizens while maintaining effective border controls and national security.
She stressed the important role of the media in creating public awareness and providing accurate information on the eligibility criteria, application and relevance of the ENBIC, particularly its role in simplifying cross-border travel.
In his presentation, the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration in charge of ECOWAS and Other Travel Documents at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, Mr Bennett Emeka Chiagoro, said the media remained central to the successful implementation of the biometric identity card.
Chiagoro explained that the implementation of the ENBIC was structured into four stages. The first stage requires member states to produce a blank ECOWAS identity card specimen, while the second involves approval and verification of compliance with ECOWAS and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security standards.
He said the third stage allows member states to personalise the ECOWAS identity card locally, while the fourth stage involves official ECOWAS validation before the cards are deployed.
According to Chiagoro, the ENBIC is expected to ease free movement within member states in line with ECOWAS protocols, strengthen secure identification, reduce identity fraud through biometric technology and improve border efficiency through faster passenger clearance and timely data exchange.
He added that the initiative would promote regional cooperation through standardised data sharing and legislative compliance, strengthen efforts against cross-border crime and facilitate secure economic and social mobility across member states.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the Head of Border Management, Mr Obinna Ajugwo, said the ECOWAS biometric identity card was conceived and endorsed by the Heads of State and Government of member countries.
Ajugwo described the card as a symbol of regional belonging and inclusion, as well as an instrument for safe, secure and efficient movement across ECOWAS member states.
He said the ENBIC would facilitate the exercise of the right to free movement, strengthen border management systems, enhance security cooperation among member states and promote economic and social integration.
Ajugwo therefore urged media organisations and practitioners to help bridge the gap between institutions and citizens by providing accurate information, shaping public understanding and building confidence in the ENBIC initiative.
