Hot Source
Nigeria has officially begun issuing a new regional biometric identity card, in a move aimed at transforming business and travel across West Africa.
The rollout ceremony, held in Abuja on 28 November, 11 years after the scheme was first proposed, drew representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, organised private sector players, and media personnel.
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 introduction of ENBIC in Nigeria “demonstrates that ECOWAS is moving from vision to action, accelerating the delivery of free movement and regional integration for all citizens.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the launch as a historic milestone for the country, emphasising that it comes 11 years after the initiative was first conceived by ECOWAS.
According to Dr. Tunji-Ojo, the ENBIC will not only streamline business processes but also strengthen security across the region, offering citizens a modern, secure means of identification.
The ENBIC is part of a broader ECOWAS agenda to foster seamless movement of people, goods, and services within West Africa, boosting economic prosperity and cooperation among member states.
With Nigeria’s adoption of the card, millions of citizens are expected to benefit from improved access to services, greater ease of doing business, and a reinforced regional identity.
The rollout signals a new era of technological integration and cooperation in West Africa, reflecting ECOWAS’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.
The post Nigeria rolls out ECOWAS national biometric identity card (ENBIC) appeared first on The Herald ghana.
