The Federal Government has officially introduced the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), a high-tech card that doubles as both a national ID and a valid travel document across West Africa.
Friday’s launch in Abuja ends years of delays and puts Nigeria at the forefront of regional digital identity integration.
Key Highlights
- No passport required for travel within the 15 ECOWAS countries
- Built with advanced biometric and cryptographic security
- Fully compliant with ECOWAS and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards
- Designed to fight identity fraud and boost cross-border intelligence sharing
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said President Bola Tinubu personally ordered the project’s fast-tracking to modernise Nigeria’s border and identity systems.
“This card is enough for any journey inside West Africa,” the minister declared. “It simplifies movement, strengthens security, and shows Nigeria leading the way in safe regional mobility.”
End of the Paper Travel Certificate
Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nandap explained that the old paper ECOWAS travel certificate is now obsolete. The new biometric card links the holder’s identity permanently and securely to the document, making forgery nearly impossible.
Bigger Picture for West Africa
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, called the card “a symbol of dignity and progress,” urging other ECOWAS nations to speed up their own rollouts and fintech firms to build services around the platform.
The launch comes alongside other border upgrades, including the new Advanced Passenger Information System and a planned Single Travel Emergency Passport in January.
Nigeria now joins the growing list of West African countries issuing the standardised biometric card, taking a major step toward seamless, secure regional travel.
