The Federal Government on Friday positioned Nigeria at the forefront of West Africa’s digital identity transformation with the official rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).
A credential expected to redefine regional travel, strengthen border intelligence, and curb cross-border crimes.
At the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the successful deployment marks a major step in modernising the country’s identity and security architecture.
He noted that the initiative gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for accelerated delivery.
The Minister explained that ENBIC comes fully integrated with international public key infrastructure systems, enabling stronger border control and seamless verification across the sub-region.
According to him, the card also serves as a travel document within West Africa.
“If you are travelling only within ECOWAS, you no longer need a passport. This card is sufficient for all regional travel,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He stated that the new credential would ease pressure on passport demand and support ongoing reforms, including the deployment of the UN-mandated Advanced Passenger Information System and the planned introduction of a Single Travel Emergency Passport in January.
The Minister said:
“With ENBIC, Nigeria is not only strengthening its borders but reaffirming its leadership in a region seeking safer mobility, deeper integration, and a digitally driven future.”
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Permanent Secretary Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma said the launch aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional integration.
He recalled that the technical framework for ENBIC was first adopted in Abuja in 2014.
Akume described the card as more than a security tool, but a regional equaliser.
“In our hands is a simple card, but in our hearts lies a profound hope.
It is a tool of dignity for migrant women, an enabler for cross-border traders, and a promise of a West Africa where borders become bridges of opportunity rather than barriers.”
He urged member states to harmonise their identity systems for true interoperability and encouraged fintech innovators to build solutions that can operate on the platform.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, said ENBIC replaces the paper travel certificate and is built on advanced biometric and cryptographic systems compliant with ECOWAS and ICAO standards.
“Its biometric core, anchored on high-quality facial and fingerprint data—provides a secure link between the holder and the credential,” she stated.
“It will strengthen verification processes, reduce document fraud, and disrupt the operations of cross-border criminal networks.”
She stressed that the system is expected to boost trade, tourism, labour mobility, and regional cooperation.
In a goodwill message, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, commended Nigeria’s leadership and disclosed that ECOWAS forces were currently deployed in Guinea-Bissau to stabilise the situation.
He added the card rollout forms part of broader regional efforts to establish a unified biometric identity ecosystem.
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