Nigerians travelling to other West African countries may experience fewer delays at border posts with the introduction of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) across the region.
The card allows immigration officials to check a traveller’s identity electronically. It aims to make border checks easier for people moving within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria started rolling out the card through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in November 2025. Officials shared this news on Wednesday during a media sensitisation workshop in Lagos. The workshop was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with ECOWAS and the European Union.
What the card does
Obinna Ajugwo, the Head of Border Management and Migration at the ECOWAS Commission in Nigeria, said the biometric card is a more secure way to identify travellers than the paper-based ECOWAS Travel Certificate.
"The ENBIC is not just a card; it is a symbol of the law of the region. Most importantly, it is an enabler of safe, secure and efficient movement across our region," he said.
The card has a biometric chip that contains the holder’s identity information. At the border, immigration officials will use this information to verify the traveller's identity and authenticate the card.
Mr. Ajugwo mentioned that the system will help immigration authorities in member states share and verify information more effectively.
"By providing a reliable and harmonised system of identification, the ENBIC will facilitate the exercise of the right to free movement, strengthen border management systems, enhance security cooperation amongst member states, and promote economic and social integration," he said.
He noted that seven member states, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, have already started using the card. The regional bloc announced in April that member states are working towards mutual acceptance of ENBIC at air, land, and sea borders by December.
What travellers should expect
For Nigerians crossing into other ECOWAS countries, the biggest change should be at the border.
Mr. Ajugwo explained that travellers often waste time at border posts when they do not have the right travel information.
"When we get to the borders, we see that sometimes when you don’t have the right travel information, you end up spending more time at the border. This is where we are trying to use the most seamless border clearance or fast border clearance," he explained.
Ali Ibrahim, Head of the IOM Sub-Office in Lagos, said the card is part of the wider ECOWAS free-movement framework.
"By enhancing identity assurance and facilitating the movement of legitimate migrants, ENBIC contributes to a more efficient, secure and integrated mobility framework," Mr. Ibrahim said.
It does not give automatic residence rights
The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment allows citizens of member states to enter another member country without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, depending on the protocol's rules.
Anyone wanting to stay longer must meet the residence requirements of the host country. During a presentation, Bennett Chiagoro, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration at the NIS, explained that Nigerians wishing to remain in another member state beyond the allowed period must still follow that country's rules.
How to apply for the card
Nigerians can start the ENBIC application process through an online NIS portal. Here, applicants can book appointments and track their applications.
The process includes verification, biometric enrolment, validation, production, and issuance. Applicants need to provide their personal details and supporting documents before biometric capture.
The portal also has options for checking payment status, correcting application information, and reporting misplaced cards. The NIS advises prospective applicants to check the current requirements and fees before applying as the rollout continues.
How immigration officials verify it
The biometric chip is key to the card's security.
Mr. Chiagoro explained that the information on the chip carries a digital signature from the issuing authority. If the information changes, the signature also changes, making alterations detectable during authentication.
"Any attempt to alter the data on the card will automatically change the signature of the card. When we authenticate it at the border, it will lack that trust chain," he stated.
The card also has a serial number and other security features that can be checked during border-control operations. Mr. Chiagoro said privacy, data protection, and data security are being considered as the system is rolled out.
What happens to the ECOWAS Travel Certificate?
ECOWAS has described ENBIC as a machine-readable travel document meant to replace the handwritten ECOWAS Travel Certificate. But the NIS still provides information about the travel certificate on its website.
Travellers should confirm with the NIS which document is currently accepted for their journey, especially since member states are at different stages of implementing the biometric card.
Why ECOWAS is introducing it
The free movement of people has been crucial for ECOWAS' regional integration efforts. This allows citizens to travel, live, and establish themselves in other member states under the regional protocol and host country laws.
Mr. Ibrahim said IOM will keep supporting ECOWAS and member states with training and implementation support. He added that the success of ENBIC should consider not just how many cards are issued but also if it makes travel easier for people relying on cross-border movement.
In her goodwill message at the workshop, Titilayo Olaiya, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, urged journalists to provide accurate information about the card.
She stressed that misinformation at entry points could cause issues for travellers.
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