…marking ‘Paradigm Shift’ in Regional Mobility, Security – CG Immigration
Nigeria has officially launched the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), a development the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Ojo, described as a major turning point for regional security, identity management and free movement across West Africa.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the minister framed the event as the realisation of a long-delayed regional vision, brought to life through political will and the determination of Nigeria’s immigration officers.
He emphasised that the achievement represents the fulfilment of a promise made by President Bola Tinubu and signals Nigeria’s return to a position of leadership within ECOWAS.
According to him, “today is not about Ministry of Interior, and today is not about the Nigerian Immigration Service. Today is about the dream of President Bola Tinubu, meeting the tenacity, and of course, the commitment of the great officers of the NIS for the emancipation of the great people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He also said the rollout comes 11 years after ECOWAS conceived the biometric identity project, noting that Nigeria’s delivery reflects the President’s directive that the country must reclaim its leadership role in the sub-region.
Hon. Ojo argued that leadership must be demonstrated “not by virtue of our utterances or in words, but by practicalizing our intentions and making them become a reality.”
He pointed out that six other ECOWAS countries had introduced their cards before Nigeria, adding that while the delay was not ideal, “the good thing is it’s finally done.”
The minister emphasised the security value of the biometric card, maintaining that no country can secure its borders without identifying who enters or exits, he described the ENBIC as the foundation for better intelligence gathering, improved border control and safer regional mobility.
He stated that migration itself is not the problem, but irregular movement must be regulated.
“With the new system, Nigeria can now work toward integrating the card into the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Public Key Directory, enabling seamless verification at all entry points”, he added.
Highlighting its economic and security utility, the minister explained that the card reduces dependence on passports for travel within ECOWAS, easing pressure on Nigeria’s passport system, adding that the platform could eventually support a regional migration database, helping member states synchronise identity systems.
He said that the launch reflects a government focused on results, not promises, and drew comparisons with other bold decisions, such as ending fuel and foreign exchange subsidies—moves he said saved the country billions and shifted Nigeria from a consumption culture to a productive one.
He reminded the audience of the President’s record on border security technologies, including Nigeria’s long-delayed implementation of the UN-mandated Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), only achieved in 2024.
Turning to future plans, Ojo revealed that Nigeria will introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January, allowing stranded citizens abroad to obtain emergency travel documents through their phones without visiting an embassy. He said this reform will further simplify access to services and strengthen data management.
He therefore urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms, praising the dedication of security personnel and stressing that meaningful nation-building depends on collective effort.
In his words, “nation building is a joint task… Do your part, I do my part, and Nigeria will be greater for it.”
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for taking a decisive lead in the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), describing the launch as a major step towards deeper regional integration and collective security.
Represented by Prof. Kalilou Sylla, expressing gratitude to the Government and people of Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian Immigration Service, for what he called their unwavering commitment to the regional identity initiative.
He said, “It is both an honour and a privilege for me to address you today on behalf of the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Ormah Tourey, as we witness an historic milestone in your journey towards regional integration… Allow me to begin by expressing my profound appreciation to the Government and the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian Immigration Services for your doable commitment to this initiative.”
He said Nigeria’s efforts embodied true leadership within ECOWAS, adding, “Our dedication reflects Nigeria’s leadership in advancing ECOWAS integration. Thank you very much, Nigeria, for all this progress.”
Speaking further, he laid out four key messages on behalf of the Commission. His first point addressed West Africa’s widening security concerns. He said the region currently ranks first globally for deaths linked to terrorism, yet leadership is emerging to confront these threats. “
At the moment of my address, our army, ECOWAS Army, is in Guinea-Bissau to avoid civil war and allow brothers and sisters to dialogue about the future,” he noted, adding that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and a multinational ECOWAS force led by Brigadier General Edouard Edwina Ojabo were already on the ground.
The President paid tribute to Nigeria’s strength and regional influence, declaring, “I am here also to celebrate a nation, a great nation. We are proud of Nigeria… In this crisis, in this world crisis, the leadership of Nigeria inspires all the citizens of West Africa.”
His second message focused on regional cooperation as a stabilising force in an increasingly unstable global economy.
He said, “In the world in transition, where in the transition economy the insecurity level is higher, and in this region is a solution. The regional integration is a solution.”
He applauded development partners who supported the biometric identity process, particularly the European Union, and invited the audience to recognise their contributions.
The Commission President also offered a long-term projection of Nigeria’s global economic potential, stating, “In 2100, Nigeria will be between the top five countries with the highest GDP in the world… So this country should take the lead on this, what we are doing now, to secure the citizenship within our region.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s ENBIC rollout was only the beginning, adding, “We envision a broad-based regional implementation of the ENBIC by all the ECOWAS member states, and we will foster a regional… We are proud that Nigeria takes the lead on this initiative, and we will be happy as ECOWAS to spread it within the region.”
He reaffirmed the deeper meaning of the biometric identity card. He said, “ENBIC is more than a card, it’s a symbol of unity, progress, and shared destiny for West African citizens. Let us embrace this milestone and continue building a truly integrated West Africa.”
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Earlier in her remarks, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nanna Nandap, said the launched of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), is a modern digital credential expected to transform travel, identity management, and border security across West Africa.
She described the rollout as “a historic moment” that signals a “major milestone in our collective journey towards deeper regional integration.”
Nandap emphasised that the initiative stood not merely as a technological upgrade but as “a strategic leap forward in modernising our identity and travel management systems.”
The Comptroller General said, “Today marks a major milestone in our collective journey towards deeper regional integration, enhanced mobility, and strengthened border security across the ECOWAS subregion.”
“I must begin by acknowledging the steadfast leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on secure borders, economic revitalisation, and regional cooperation,” he said.
She added that the President’s support “provided the enabling environment for this project to reach full operationalisation.” While also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his “dynamic guidance and unwavering support throughout every stage of this deployment.”
According to her, Thursday’s ceremony crowns “years of meticulous planning, policy alignment, and technical collaboration across the ECOWAS community” , emphasising that the ENBIC rollout is rooted in decisions and protocols endorsed by ECOWAS Heads of State, including Decision A-DCE-2-7-85 and the longstanding Free Movement Protocol.
With Nigeria transitioning from its paper-based travel certificate to a digital, secure and interoperable biometric card, he said the region had entered “a new era in regional mobility.”
The Immigration chief explained that the ENBIC complies with international standards, saying, “The MBIC has been developed in line with international standards, including Annex 9 and Chapter 3 of the ECOWAS Document 9303. This ensures that the card is machine-readable. It is also embedded with advanced cryptographic features, and it is built on a globally recognised security architecture.”
She described the card as “a paradigm shift in cross-border governance” , emphasising its multiple uses: “As a multifunctional document, it serves as a biometric travel document for intra-regional mobility. It also serves as a veritable identity card, and also as a resident permit for ECOWAS citizens within member states.”
The Comptroller General further noted that the ENBIC’s biometric foundations — high-quality facial images and fingerprint data — provide “a secure and reliable link between the holder and the credential,” enabling seamless information exchange and interoperability among national systems.
Nandap highlighted the socioeconomic benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly traders and low-income travellers.
By offering an accessible option for regional travel, the ENBIC directly empowers citizens, especially those who are engaged in small-scale trade, cross-border commerce, and labour mobility is encouraged.”
On security gains, she said the new biometric card “strengthens our national and regional architecture for border protection.
“The integration of real-time biometric verification enhances our ability to deter, detect, and disrupt trans-border criminal activities… reduce document fraud, and combat the illicit networks that enable trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, and other cross-border threats”, she added.
Listing the practical benefits, she said that ENBIC will provide “a secure and veritable means of personal identification,” faster border checks, enhanced trade facilitation, and expanded prospects for tourism and investment.
Above all, she said the initiative ushers in “deeper regional cooperation and integration in line with the ECOWAS long-term vision.”
Reflecting on the initiative’s broader significance, she declared, “The ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card is far more than a credential. It is a foundational instrument for building a more secure, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. It reflects the power of regional unity… and the aspiration of all our member states.”
Nandap reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to effective migration management and border modernisation, promising that the Service would ensure smooth implementation of the new system.
