The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum are considering the implementation of a new Biometric Identity Card for citizens of the region to replace the existing one.
The new card seeks to replace the current ECOWAS travel certificate and Resident permit. It would also facilitate seamless travel among citizens of member states.
The card would also abolish the 90-day stay/limit/Resident Permit for Community citizens.
The development was part of the resolutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum which converged in Banjul, Gambia, between the 24th and 25th of September.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Kenneth Udo, the meeting also addressed Migration and Mobility challenges in the sub-region.
However, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic did not participate in the meeting.
Udo in a statement said the meeting saw the emergence of Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, as Chairperson, while 13 member countries of ECOWAS participated in the gathering.
Udo said: “The theme of the annual meeting: “Acceleration of the Implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and the Abolishment of the 90-Day Stay Limit/Residence Permits for Community Citizens”, focused on the introduction of the ENBIC to replace ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit.
“This new Biometric Card is aimed at facilitating Easier Movement, Residence and the Right to do business across the region without compromising the National Security of individual member states”.
The Immigration boss in her remarks emphasised the need for member States to expedite the implementation of the stated policies, saying that they are key to fostering Regional Integration and Socio-Economic Progress.
“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”, she said.
While acknowledging the strides made so far, Nandap, further highlighted current challenges such as Irregular Migration, Human Trafficking, and Border Security, which have been exacerbated by expansive borders.
She called for a coordinated and harmonised approach to Border Management and Immigration practices across the region to ensure both Security and the protection of Citizens’ Rights.
According to Udo, the Forum concluded with the adoption of a Roadmap for the implementation of agreed pillars (8) to be progressively pursued in the realisation of the Act SA.1/7/14), being a Decision of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
The Forum agreed to work with the existing Border Management Thematic Working Group earlier established, Udo stated.