Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant advancement for regional security and migration management, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior of Nigeria, has announced the launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).
The Minister broke the news on his verified Facebook account on Friday, following a successful launch event that took place in Abuja.
According to Tunji Ojo, the initiative, which has been in development for 11 years, marks a major milestone in enhancing the security framework across West Africa.
During the announcement, the Minister underscored the importance of the project in reflecting the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to establish an effective migration management system throughout the sub-region.
“This particularly speaks to the commitment and will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring an effective migration management system across the sub-region,” he stated.
The ENBIC is designed to serve as the backbone of a modern identity and security system, transforming border control and intelligence gathering. Tunji Ojo emphasised that reliable identification is essential for both national and regional security, noting that the secure, biometric-enabled card will revolutionise travel across West Africa.
In addition to enhancing security, the Minister added that the ENBIC is expected to promote economic growth and strengthen efforts against trans-border crimes and irregular migration. “This initiative will play a crucial role in our ongoing fight against trans-border crimes and will renew our commitment to managing migration effectively,” he concluded.
Starnews reports that the successful launch of the ENBIC signifies a pivotal step towards improved security and migration management in West Africa, fostering collaboration among ECOWAS member states to address shared challenges in these areas.
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