ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card important to cross-border trade, regional integration – BACCIMA

The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has described the availability of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) registration in Nigeria as a positive development.

BACCIMA said this is an important development for cross-border trade, regional integration, and the movement of people and businesses across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

BACCIMA noted that the registration information is available through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal, maintaining that it had from inception advocated for practical measures to simplify cross-border movement across the ECOWAS.

According to the BACCIMA, “From its inception, BACCIMA has consistently advocated practical measures to simplify cross-border movement, promote legitimate trade, and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

“For businesses and traders operating along the Badagry–Seme corridor, identity management and efficient border procedures are not merely administrative issues. They directly affect the cost of doing business, the movement of goods and people, market access, and the livelihoods of thousands of traders and transport operators.

“The availability of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card represents a welcome step towards addressing some of these concerns. By supporting reliable identity verification and facilitating the implementation of regional free-movement arrangements, the card can contribute to a more organised and efficient cross-border environment.

“For BACCIMA, this development is especially significant because it reflects an objective the Chamber has advocated over the years: making regional integration work in practical terms for ordinary citizens, traders, entrepreneurs, and investors.”

The Badagry Chamber sincerely appreciated the contributions of its current President, Mr Fadipe Ashamu Sewanu, and all former presidents, particularly Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran, who attended the official launching of ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in Abuja.

“We sincerely appreciates the efforts of all our former Presidents, whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment helped sustain the Chamber’s mission of promoting commerce, industry, mines, agriculture, and regional economic cooperation,” said BACCIMA.