By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional migration cooperation and border security across West Africa, as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) pushes for greater integration and harmonisation of migration policies among ECOWAS member states.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, made the commitment at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) Heads of Immigration Forum held from November 3 to 4, 2026, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The meeting brought together Heads of Immigration from 12 ECOWAS member states, alongside representatives of the ECOWAS Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Deepening Regional Integration through Harmonized Migration and Border Management in ECOWAS,” the forum focused on practical ways to strengthen regional cooperation, improve migration governance and secure borders while facilitating legitimate movement across West Africa.
A major issue discussed was the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement and Trade Protocols, particularly through an Integrated Border Management (IBM) system and the effective deployment of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).
Speaking at the forum, Nandap said Nigeria remained committed to regional integration through ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.
She highlighted the country’s progress in implementing the ENBIC through its locally developed Border Control and Immigration Management System (BCIMS), which supports border operations, migration management and data processing.
According to her, mobile verification tools linked to the BCIMS are being deployed at border crossing points, while plans for issuing the biometric identity card to Nigerians in the diaspora are also underway.
The Immigration Comptroller-General stressed that regional migration policies must balance the need to facilitate legitimate travel and economic activities with the responsibility to protect national security.
ECOWAS States Seek Wider Acceptance of Biometric Identity Card
Participants also reviewed recommendations from reports presented by Ministers of Interior and the MIDWA Thematic Working Groups.
Heads of Immigration shared updates on their countries’ progress in implementing the ENBIC, while identifying challenges affecting its adoption, particularly the lack of uniform acceptance of the card across some ECOWAS member states.
The forum called on the ECOWAS Commission and member countries to engage transport operators and formally communicate the recognition and acceptance of the ENBIC as a valid travel document within the region.
The International Organization for Migration also presented a paper titled “Contextualizing an Integrated Border Governance Approach for West Africa.”
The presentation highlighted the need to treat borders as interconnected systems that protect national sovereignty while supporting mobility, economic opportunities and public trust.
Freetown Declaration Sets January 2027 Implementation Target
The meeting ended with Heads of Immigration, the ECOWAS Commission and the International Organization for Migration unanimously adopting and signing the Freetown Declaration.
The declaration captures the resolutions and commitments reached during the forum and sets 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 improving integrated border governance.
It added that these efforts would support safer borders and make legitimate movement across the ECOWAS region easier.
The outcome of the Freetown meeting is expected to strengthen regional cooperation as West African countries work towards more coordinated migration policies and effective border management.
Source: Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), statement signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, November 7, 2026.
