Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Immigration chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for a renewed push towards the full rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), underscoring its importance for regional integration and free movement across West Africa.

During the recent ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum in Banjul, representatives from 12 member states resolved that expediting the issuance of the regional ID card is crucial to simplifying travel, promoting trade, and enhancing regional security.

The forum, held under the theme “Acceleration of the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and the abolition of the 90-day stay limit/residence permits for community citizens,” was an opportunity for the immigration heads to assess the progress of the ENBIC project, which was first adopted in December 2014. While the biometric ID card was envisioned as a tool for seamless cross-border travel and economic integration, its rollout has been slower than anticipated, leading to renewed calls for urgency.

ECOWAS authorities see the card as a cornerstone of the bloc’s free movement and residence protocols, which aim to facilitate trade, travel, and business operations across the 15 member countries. KN Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, who was elected Chairperson of the ECOWAS forum during the meeting, emphasized that the ENBIC would simplify cross-border mobility while maintaining security standards. “The abolition of the 90-day stay limit, along with the deployment of the ENBIC, will significantly strengthen free movement, residence, and establishment rights for ECOWAS citizens,” Nandap said.

The current hand-written ECOWAS travel certificates and residence permits, which the ENBIC is designed to replace, are seen as outdated and less secure. The biometric card, with enhanced security features, is expected to streamline movement and reduce the administrative burden on citizens and immigration authorities alike.

However, the forum also acknowledged the broader challenges facing migration and mobility within the region. Key issues discussed included irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security. Nandap stressed the need for a “coordinated and harmonized approach” to these challenges, calling for better collaboration among ECOWAS states to safeguard their borders and protect citizens from transnational threats.

The Banjul forum also brought attention to geopolitical shifts within the region. Notably absent from the meeting were Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have distanced themselves from ECOWAS following recent political upheavals. Last month, these three countries announced plans to launch their own common passport, marking a significant shift in their approach to regional integration. Burkina Faso, in particular, has already launched a new passport without the ECOWAS logo, further signaling its departure from the bloc.

This fragmentation is a concern for ECOWAS leaders, who have been calling for these countries to return to the fold. The absence of these key nations has raised questions about the future of regional integration efforts and the effectiveness of initiatives like the ENBIC in promoting unity and cooperation across West Africa.

Despite these challenges, the forum ended on a note of optimism, with the participants agreeing that the full deployment of the ENBIC, coupled with the abolition of the 90-day stay limit, is critical to unlocking the economic and social potential of the region. As ECOWAS works to break down travel and trade barriers, the hope is that the biometric identity card will serve as a symbol of a more integrated and prosperous West Africa.