ECOWAS urges member states to implement biometric ID cards and abolish stay limitations

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged its member states to expedite the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and abolish the 90-day stay limitation for community citizens. This call was made by Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration at ECOWAS, representing Ms. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.

During a technical meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Siaw-Boateng emphasized the necessity of rolling out these initiatives as decided during the 45th ECOWAS Ordinary Summit. He noted that the lack of information and political will has delayed the implementation of Supplementary Act A/SA. 1/07/14, hindering progress on phase two of the Protocol on Free Movement – Right to Residency.

Mr. Siaw-Boateng also highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected migration challenges like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He called for a review of the Free Movement Protocol and its Supplementary Acts.

The meeting, held from May 30-31, 2024, under the auspices of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) platform, aimed to enhance synergies among members of the technical working group to facilitate enforcement of regional migration instruments. It also sought to provide updates on ENBIC implementation and endorse a common position on abolishing the 90-day stay limitation while elaborating a road map for this process.

Mr. David Adebambo, Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), chaired the opening ceremony and stressed that adopting ENBIC is crucial for achieving free movement within ECOWAS Member States. "The workshop would serve as a crucial platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, identifying obstacles, and developing concrete solutions for ENBIC implementation," he stated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, specific recommendations were made by the Border Management Thematic Working Group to harmonize policies and address challenges related to implementing ENBIC and abolishing the 90-day stay limitation.

The meeting was attended by border management experts from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
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