Nigerian Federal Government Officially Launches ECOWAS Biometric ID Card, Replaces Old Travel Certificate

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has officially launched the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), a significant move that replaces the outdated ECOWAS travel certificate and resident permit. Nigeria becomes the seventh country in the sub-region to implement this unified biometric identity system, which was first recommended by ECOWAS Heads of Immigration eleven years ago.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled the new credential in Abuja, stressing that the ENBIC establishes a modern identity foundation where “no one can hide under anonymity,” making national security reliant on accurate identification. The new card is designed to enable seamless regional mobility for millions of citizens across West Africa.

The Minister emphasized that the biometric ID will be instrumental in helping security agencies tackle irregular migration, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and strengthen intelligence operations. Critically, the ENBIC will reduce the pressure on Nigerian passport issuance as it will be adequate for all intra-regional travel within ECOWAS, eliminating the need for a passport. The initiative, which had suffered years of delay, was accelerated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fulfilling its promise to build robust national systems. The launch has been hailed by the ECOWAS Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a major step toward secure mobility and enhanced economic integration across West Africa.