Introduction of Biometric Identification Card by Federal Government eases movements across borders – BACCIMA

The President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, says the Biometric Identification Card, recently unveiled by the Federal Government of Nigeria, has eased movements of travellers and traders across land borders as they would no longer have their passports stamped again at the border.

The BACCIMA President made this known while addressing participants at the 2nd Annual Ports & Transborder International Trade Discourse in Badagry, Lagos State recently.

Oladiran Idris, who is also the National Vice President of National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), pointed out that the Biometric Identification Card was as a result of their advocacy for easy movements of our citizens on the Seme Border.

“Parts of the objectives of BACCIMA as the voice of business along Lagos-Abidjan Trade Corridor Seme, the most important border post in West Africa, is to protect the interest of our members and business community, see to the growth and development of economic activities in the region, advocate for progressive economic policies of Governments in Badagry Division that covers four (4) Local Governments and Six (6) Local Council Development Authority (LCDAs) from Seme to Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Apapa and beyond.

“I am happy to inform you here today, that one of our advocacy for easy movements of our citizens, traders and travellers across Seme Border Post on the issuance of Biometric Identification Card was unveiled by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Immigration Services in Abuja recently. In no distance future, you don’t need to stamp your passports at the land borders again,” said he.

Speaking further, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, a retired Customs officer, informed that “BACCIMA is also working with border security agencies on how to formalize the informal cross border trade, to help our women and youths along this all important corridor. So also to make business transactions seamless and for Customs to generate more revenue to the Federal Government purse.

“The Chamber has equally championed the removal of unapproved check points along this axis to reduce the clogs in ease of doing business.”

He said the purpose of the Ports and Trans-Border International Trade Discourse (TBITD) was to give all participants the platform to examine these shared challenges collectively and to build bridges of understanding, cooperation and innovation.

“We come together from different regions, institutions and disciplines to engage in conversations that reach beyond the boundaries that traditionally separate us.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, the issues we face wether political, social, cultural or economic  – rarely stop at the artificial national borders.

“Wether we are addressing migration, regional trade, digital communication, peace building or cultural exchange, our collective insights can inspire stronger partnerships and more sustainable solutions,” the BACCIMA President concluded.