The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday launched the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, a scheme designed to enhance regional integration, strengthen security, and modernise identity management across West Africa.
At the inauguration, the government emphasised that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving regional mobility and national security.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the rollout as the outcome of years of effort by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the fulfilment of a long-standing presidential mandate.
He noted that although the project began 11 years ago, it was under the current administration that its implementation was completed.
Tunji-Ojo praised the President, referring to him as the “Grand Innovator of the Federal Republic (GIFR)”, and said the leadership provided at the highest level made the achievement possible.
The minister acknowledged that Nigeria is the seventh ECOWAS country to deploy the card but stressed that its introduction marks a significant milestone for regional security and migration management. “The card provides the foundation for more efficient identification across borders, a crucial component in combating insecurity,” he said.
He added that the biometric card would aid lawful travel within the subregion and discourage irregular movement, explaining that improved migration oversight contributes to economic opportunity and stability.
Tunji-Ojo further revealed that the government’s next objective is to integrate the new card into the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory to ensure smooth verification at global entry points. He said President Tinubu’s administration prioritises tangible results, pointing out that despite inherited economic challenges, the government has taken decisive steps, including reforms such as the removal of forex and fuel subsidies, which he said saved the country $25 billion annually.
He maintained that the administration’s security reforms are strategic rather than reactive, stressing that effective border protection is impossible without a sound identity-management structure. “The ENBIC will support intelligence gathering and provide security agencies with reliable data needed to protect citizens,” he said.
The minister also mentioned the deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), implemented in 2024 for the first time since it was mandated by the United Nations Security Council in 2017. According to him, the system ensures that no traveller enters Nigeria without prior notification to relevant security bodies.
Tunji-Ojo observed that the biometric card will ease demand on the country’s passport system because citizens travelling only within ECOWAS will no longer require international passports. He said this would particularly benefit traders and small business owners who frequently move across the region.
He added that the Federal Government is considering the creation of a regional migration database in partnership with ECOWAS states—similar to the Schengen model—to improve data sharing and reinforce border security. He expressed confidence in the region’s ability to achieve this if governments demonstrate the necessary commitment.
The minister reiterated that the ENBIC is both a security and economic tool, encouraging Nigerians to adopt it as part of wider reforms in identity and border governance. He also announced that another reform—the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP)—will be launched in January. The STEP will allow Nigerians abroad who lose their passports to generate an emergency travel document via a mobile device without visiting an embassy.
Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to trust the government’s capacity to manage national challenges and support ongoing security enhancements. He commended security personnel for their dedication to developing long-term, structural solutions and remarked that national progress requires collective effort from all citizens.
In her welcome address, Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, described the ENBIC as a groundbreaking initiative that underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening regional collaboration. She praised President Tinubu for his leadership and thanked the Minister of Interior for continuous support.
Nandap explained that the introduction of the ENBIC aligns with ECOWAS Heads of State Decision A/DEC.01/12/14 and the A/P 1/5/79 Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. She said the card replaces the long-outdated manual travel document, noting that its rollout is the product of extensive planning and cooperation between Nigeria, ECOWAS institutions, and other partners. “The new travel document features a secure biometric system aimed at facilitating legal movement, promoting tourism, trade, and investment, while strengthening border management.”
She outlined the expected advantages of the card, including enhanced regional safety, reliable identification, improved trade facilitation, and smoother border procedures. “Other benefits are Improved border processing and reduced delays, Increased tourism and investment opportunities and deeper regional integration and cooperation,” she said.
The NIS CG acknowledged the contributions of diplomatic missions, security agencies, the media, and other stakeholders. She also expressed gratitude to ECOWAS Ambassadors in Nigeria and development partners such as the UN-IOM, EU, ICMPD, GIZ, and UNIDO for their support toward the project.
Nandap concluded that the ENBIC represents an important step toward a more secure and economically vibrant ECOWAS community, adding that its implementation will significantly improve regional mobility, boost development, and strengthen collective security.
