General News
Nigeria, 11 ECOWAS states set January deadline to enforce biometric ID card in W/Africa
Abu Umar
Nigeria and 11 other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries have agreed to strengthen the implementation and acceptance of the regional biometric identity card as part of efforts to ease cross-border movement and improve border security across West Africa.
According to a statement by the Immigration Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the agreement was reached at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) Heads of Immigration Forum held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from November 3 to 4, 2026, where the Heads of Immigration, the ECOWAS Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) adopted the Freetown Declaration, setting January 1, 2027, as the target date for implementing its resolutions.
The forum, themed “From Policy to Practice: Deepening Regional Integration through Harmonized Migration and Border Management in ECOWAS,” brought together Heads of Immigration from 12 ECOWAS member states to address challenges affecting regional cooperation, migration governance and integrated border management.
A major focus of the meeting was the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement and Trade Protocols, particularly the deployment and effective use of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and the adoption of an Integrated Border Management (IBM) system.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, who participated in the forum, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration through ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening migration management and border security in line with ECOWAS free movement protocols.
Nandap highlighted Nigeria’s progress in implementing the ENBIC through its home-developed Border Control and Immigration Management System (BCIMS), which provides hybrid functionality for border control, migration operations and data management.
She disclosed that mobile verification tools linked to the BCIMS were being deployed at border crossing points, while efforts were also underway to extend the issuance of the biometric identity card to Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Immigration chief stressed the need to strike a balance between facilitating legitimate migration and protecting national security, noting that security remained fundamental to sustainable national and regional prosperity.
The forum also reviewed recommendations from reports presented by Ministers of Interior and the MIDWA Thematic Working Groups, while Heads of Immigration shared updates on their respective countries’ progress in implementing the biometric identity card.
However, participants identified the lack of uniform acceptance of the ENBIC across some ECOWAS member states as a major challenge to its effective use as a regional travel document.
To address the problem, the forum called on the ECOWAS Commission and member states to engage transport operators and formally notify them of the recognition and acceptance of the biometric identity card as a valid travel document across the region.
The International Organization for Migration also delivered a presentation titled “Contextualizing an Integrated Border Governance Approach for West Africa,” which underscored the need to treat borders as interconnected systems that safeguard national sovereignty while promoting mobility, economic opportunities and trust.
At the end of the deliberations, the Heads of Immigration, the ECOWAS Commission and the IOM unanimously adopted and signed the Freetown Declaration, which outlines the resolutions and commitments reached at the meeting and establishes January 1, 2027, as the target date for their implementation.
The Nigeria Immigration Service said it remained committed to strengthening regional partnerships, harmonising migration policies and deepening integrated border governance to secure borders and facilitate legitimate movement across the ECOWAS region.
General News
Gov Lawal welcomes 2026 batch C stream 11 corps members to Zamfara
Abu Umar
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has welcomed the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members, urging them to embrace the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday, through the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Kashimu Sani Kaura at the swearing-in ceremony held at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, UBEC Training Centre, Gusau.
Governor Lawal congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes and for being enlisted into the NYSC programme.
He urged them to regard Zamfara as their second home and approach the national assignments with a determination to make positive contributions on the lives of the people in their host communities.
“Take time to understand our people, appreciate our culture and share positive stories about the State. Let your conduct, contributions and experiences reflect the hospitality and progress of Zamfara,” the governor added.
The Governor also encouraged the corps members to uphold the core values of discipline, integrity, teamwork, patriotism, tolerance, respect and selfless service.
Governor Lawal further assured the NYSC management of the state government’s continued support and cooperation towards the success of the scheme.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mallam Muhammad Lawan Ahmad, had disclosed that the Orientation Course was designed to prepare the rest of service year through lectures on national values, security awareness, leadership, citizenship, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, as well as sporting activities and drills.
He encouraged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities, noting that the knowledge, discipline and skills acquired during the three-week exercise would prepare them adequately for their service year and beyond.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and National Pledge to over 800 corps members by the Chief Judge of Zamfara State, who was represented by a Chief Magistrate in the State Judiciary, Nuradeen Sa’adu Barnawa.
The special NYSC Man O’ Squad also displayed team building exercise to the delight of guests and corps members.
General News
2027: Keyamo takes Tinubu aviation revolution to Nigerians
Our Reporter
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has stepped up efforts to bring the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration into the national conversation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the launch of a television campaign series showcasing developments in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Tagged Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series, the initiative uses short television presentations to highlight the administration’s aviation policies, infrastructure development and efforts to reposition the industry as a driver of economic growth.
Keyamo announced the initiative through his social media platforms following his appointment as Director of Air Transport Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The series, which commenced broadcasting on major television stations on November 1, is expected to run until shortly before the presidential election.
The choice of aviation as a major component of the administration’s performance narrative reflects the sector’s strategic importance to national development. Beyond airports and aircraft, aviation facilitates international trade, tourism, investment, employment and economic connectivity.
Under the Tinubu administration, the aviation sector has been pursuing reforms and infrastructure upgrades covering airport facilities, safety oversight, aircraft financing and international connectivity.
The ongoing rehabilitation and modernisation of airport infrastructure, alongside initiatives to strengthen operational efficiency, form part of the developments being presented to the public.
Keyamo’s campaign initiative also introduces a sector-specific approach to political communication, allowing Nigerians to assess the administration’s record through developments in an industry with direct implications for business, travel and national competitiveness.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the aviation minister’s message places an important question before the electorate: how should the performance of an administration be measured, and what weight should its achievements in critical sectors carry in determining the country’s next political direction?
Ultimately, the administration’s record, the challenges that remain and its plans for the future will form part of the national conversation as Nigerians prepare to make their choice at the ballot.
General News
Delta govt condemns political violence in Asaba, orders investigation
Our Reporter
The Delta State Government has condemned the political violence that erupted in Asaba, the state capital, on Saturday, leaving one person dead and four others seriously injured.
The government described the incident as unacceptable, warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of threatening public peace and security.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the government reiterated its zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation and other forms of political rascality.
Aniagwu said the government had repeatedly cautioned political parties against engaging in activities capable of disrupting the peace, stressing that the unfortunate incident could have been avoided if the organisers had heeded security advice.
He explained that the police had advised the organisers to shelve the proposed street march and instead hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.
The government expressed concern that the advice was ignored, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several others injured.
It called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that everyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Aniagwu further warned that the state government would no longer tolerate politically motivated attacks against any individual, irrespective of party affiliation.
He stressed that Delta remained a safe place for residents and visitors, adding that the government would not allow the actions of individuals or groups to undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The government urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law and demonstrate respect for human life, public order and the rights of other citizens.
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