ECOWAS Promotes National Biometric ID Card Rollout in Liberia and Sierra Leone

In 2014, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government decided to adopt the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) as an official travel document. This initiative was aimed at replacing the outdated hand-written ECOWAS Travel Certificate. To promote the adoption and implementation of the ENBIC, the ECOWAS Commission, particularly the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, launched an advocacy and sensitization campaign across Member States.

On June 13 and 14, 2024, the ECOWAS Commission officially launched its campaign in Monrovia, Liberia. The event was led by Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration. He engaged with key Liberian institutions, including the Liberia Immigration Service, the National Identification Registry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The campaign aimed to promote the recognition and use of the ENBIC in Liberia.

Mr. Siaw-Boateng, representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, for her efforts in mobilizing stakeholders. He also thanked the Liberian authorities for their interest in implementing the ENBIC. He highlighted that the ENBIC was already deployed in six ECOWAS Member States: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. He urged Liberia to recognize the ENBIC issued by these countries, positioning Liberia to be a pioneer in accepting the card from other Member States.

Liberian authorities showed willingness to accept the ENBIC. Mr. Stephen Zargo, Commissioner General of Liberia Immigration Service, expressed readiness to collaborate with other Member States for the successful implementation of the ENBIC. Mr. Andrew Peters, Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR) Liberia, discussed the progress made in the identity management system but also pointed out financial constraints and low citizen demand as significant obstacles. He requested ECOWAS' support in securing funding for this project.

On June 18, 2024, the ECOWAS delegation met with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Sierra Leone. The meeting focused on ensuring compliance in the implementation process and advocating for the acceptance of the ENBIC from other Member States that have successfully adopted it. Mr. Stephen Levey, Director for Africa at the Ministry, emphasized the Ministry's commitment to facilitating intra-regional movement. He acknowledged the importance of the ENBIC for achieving seamless movement within the sub-region but highlighted challenges such as high costs compared to local ID cards and the lack of recognition of the card by other countries.

Mr. Siaw-Boateng stressed the security benefits of the ENBIC and assured ECOWAS' support for Sierra Leone's implementation efforts. The biometric card is designed to enhance security and facilitate easier movement within the ECOWAS region, promoting economic integration and cooperation among Member States.

The advocacy and sensitization campaigns in Liberia and Sierra Leone mark significant steps towards the wider adoption of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card. By addressing challenges and leveraging support from ECOWAS, these efforts aim to streamline and secure travel within the region, ultimately benefiting the citizens of ECOWAS Member States.