From Vision to Action: Federal Government of Nigeria Unveils ECOWAS Biometric ID Card.
By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has officially rolled out the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), signaling a decisive step toward deeper regional integration, safer borders and a more business-friendly environment across West Africa.
At a high-profile ceremony in Abuja, the Federal Government formally launched the ENBIC in the presence of representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the organised private sector and the media, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS vision of a borderless and economically vibrant region.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, said the launch of ENBIC in Africa’s most populous country sends a powerful message that the regional bloc is now firmly focused on implementation.
According to him, the introduction of the card in Nigeria “demonstrates that ECOWAS is moving from vision to action, accelerating the delivery of free movement and regional integration for all citizens.” He stressed that millions of community citizens stand to benefit from easier travel, improved identification systems and more inclusive access to services within the sub-region.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, hailed the launch as a landmark achievement for the country and the region. He noted that the operationalisation of the ENBIC comes 11 years after the initiative was first conceived by ECOWAS, adding that Nigeria’s rollout places it in the vanguard of states turning long-discussed regional commitments into reality.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo underlined that the biometric card is designed not only to facilitate seamless movement of persons and goods, but also to enhance national and regional security architecture through reliable, technology-driven identity management. He also affirmed that the ENBIC will support Nigeria’s broader push to improve the ease of doing business, attract investment and unlock new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation within West Africa.
With the Abuja launch, Nigeria has sent a strong signal of political will to deepen regional integration, as citizens and businesses look forward to the practical benefits of a secure, interoperable ECOWAS identification system poised to transform mobility, commerce and cooperation across the sub-region.
