The Federal Government has significantly advanced its regional security strategy with the official launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, known as ENBIC. This development marks a major step in Nigeria's efforts to combat transborder criminal activities, irregular migration, and document falsification across West Africa.
New Era for Regional Security and Mobility
During the formal launching ceremony held on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared that the activation of the biometric card represents a powerful new beginning for regional mobility and security cooperation. Nigeria has now become the seventh nation in the sub-region to adopt this digital credential, reviving a scheme that was initially conceived over ten years ago.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the project's prolonged delay did not reflect Nigeria's capabilities or ambitions. He credited President Bola Tinubu's results-driven leadership and insistence on timely delivery for accelerating the card's completion. It is unlike the Nigerian standard, which is why this delay was unusual, the Minister stated. The good news is that President Tinubu pushed for action, and today the promise has become reality. This is what leadership looks like — not talk, but delivery.
Transforming Border Control and Regional Travel
The ENBIC system is designed to serve as the foundation of a modern identity and security framework that will revolutionize border control procedures and intelligence gathering operations. The Minister highlighted that reliable identification is crucial to both national and regional security, noting that the new credential aligns with international public key infrastructures including ICAO systems.
One of the most significant benefits for Nigerian citizens is the reduction of pressure on passport demand. If you are travelling only within ECOWAS, you no longer need a passport. This card is sufficient for all regional travel, Dr. Tunji-Ojo confirmed.
The ENBIC launch connects to broader reforms in Nigeria's travel and border framework, including the deployment of the UN-mandated Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) in 2024, which provides authorities with early visibility of inbound travellers. Additionally, the Nigeria Immigration Service will introduce the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January to assist stranded citizens wishing to return home.
Regional Cooperation and Socioeconomic Benefits
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, positioned the ENBIC rollout within Nigeria's long-standing commitment to regional unity. Represented by Permanent Secretary Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Akume recalled that the technical blueprint for the biometric card was adopted at an ECOWAS summit hosted in Abuja back in 2014.
In our hands is a simple card, but in our hearts lies a profound hope, Akume remarked, describing the card as a tool of dignity for migrant women, an enabler for cross-border traders, and a promise of a West Africa where borders transform into bridges of opportunity rather than barriers.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, characterized the milestone as both historically and technologically significant. She explained that ENBIC replaces the outdated paper-based travel certificate and is built on advanced biometric and cryptographic architecture compliant with ECOWAS and ICAO standards.
Its biometric core — anchored on high-quality facial and fingerprint data — provides a secure link between the holder and the credential, Nandap stated. It will strengthen verification processes, reduce document fraud and disrupt the operations of cross-border criminal networks.
Beyond security enhancements, the card offers substantial socioeconomic advantages, including boosted commerce, improved labour mobility, enhanced tourism, quicker border formalities, and deeper cooperation among West African nations. It is a foundational tool for a more secure, integrated and prosperous region, Nandap concluded.
International recognition came from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, who commended Nigeria for demonstrating leadership during a period of significant regional challenges. He projected that by the turn of the next century, Nigeria is expected to rank among the world's top five economies, describing the ENBIC rollout as only the beginning of a wider biometric identity ecosystem the region aims to develop.
The Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Dimanche Sharon, also praised the launch, characterizing the card as a strategic step toward secure mobility that will substantially improve migration management and identity verification throughout the sub-region.
