NIGERIA: Nigeria Unveils ECOWAS Biometric ID Card After 11-Year Delay

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in regional security and migration management with the launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), according to a statement released by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, via his official X handle.

The minister described the rollout as a significant accomplishment for both Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region, noting that the project had remained stalled for 11 years before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention.

Tunji-Ojo states: “Today, we celebrate a major milestone in regional security and migration management with the launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), a project that had lingered for 11 years.”

He emphasised that the launch reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening identity systems and securing Nigeria’s borders.

“This particularly speaks to the commitment and will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in ensuring an effective migration management system across the sub-region,” he added.

The ENBIC card is equipped with advanced biometric technology designed to improve identification reliability, strengthen intelligence gathering, and enhance border control. According to the minister, the upgraded system will play a central role in tackling irregular migration and trans-border crimes.

The statement further read: “ENBIC is the backbone of a modern identity and security system capable of transforming border control and intelligence gathering, with a reliable identification that is essential to national and regional security.”

Beyond security benefits, Tunji-Ojo said the initiative will also boost economic integration across West Africa.

“This secured, biometric-enabled card will revolutionise travel across West Africa while promoting economic growth and renewing the fight against trans-border crimes and irregular migration,” he stated.

The Ministry of Interior said full implementation will begin immediately, with further details on enrolment and issuance to be released in the coming days.