Liberia and ECOWAS Commission Convene to Discuss National Biometric Identification Card

Liberia and ECOWAS Commission Convene to Discuss National Biometric Identification Card.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the security of Liberia’s national identity, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in collaboration with ECOWAS, convened a special meeting to discuss measures to protect the Liberian passport and those of ECOWAS member states. Speaking during the visit of the ECOWAS Commission Directorate for Free Movement of Persons and Migration on June 14, 2024, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti emphasized the importance of national identity protection while acknowledging the challenges involved. She thanked the Liberia Immigration Service for organizing the meeting and outlined steps her ministry has taken to address passport issues under its jurisdiction.

Minister Nyanti highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the regular ECOWAS passport, which signifies citizenship. She mentioned that an inter-ministerial meeting was held, involving stakeholders such as the National Identification Registry, the National Election Commission, Liberia Immigration Service, and various ministries, to develop a national system that enhances security. The consensus reached was to base the national system on the National Identification Registry.

Foreign Minister Nyanti also noted that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai supports the Ministry’s initiatives. She pointed out the need for ECOWAS to be aware of the challenges posed by territorial, legacy, and constitutional issues, which sometimes create conflicts. To streamline the process, the Ministry has appointed a Deputy Minister to oversee the Bureau of Passport and Visas, centralizing the structure for visa issuance and transitioning to an e-visa system to bolster national security and facilitate free movement within ECOWAS.

Additionally, Minister Nyanti stressed the importance of a harmonized approach to collecting biometric data that meets international standards, with ECOWAS support being crucial.

ECOWAS Special Representative to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, acknowledged Liberia’s steps towards implementing the ECOWAS National Identification and praised the country’s commitment. She highlighted women’s empowerment and financial inclusion as critical areas, noting that Liberia was the first country to accept the ECOWAS passport for travel across Africa.

Director for Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Hon. Albert S. Boateng, emphasized the significance of the visit for advocating and promoting the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), which will replace handwritten travel certificates. He noted that the ENBIC was adopted in 2014 and deployed by several member states, including Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Benin, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. The visit to Liberia aims to launch the national platform for this initiative.

The head of the National Identification Registry explained that they have implemented the Generic Application Program Interface for a unified identity system for all Liberians, but resource and policy challenges persist. Senator Steve Zargo emphasized that the ECOWAS Biometric ID Card is crucial for Liberia as it will enhance the economy, security, and adherence to ECOWAS protocols.

Hon. Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration has expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Special Envoy and noted that a consensus on the economic and social benefits of adopting the ECOWAS National Biometric ID Card is nearly reached. Foreign Minister Nyanti concluded that this step is vital for promoting free movement, enhancing national security, and facilitating trade, and reiterated the Liberian government’s commitment to advancing the process.

Foreign Minister Nyanti highlighted the broader implications of implementing the ECOWAS National Biometric ID Card, stressing that it would not only enhance national security but also facilitate smoother economic transactions and mobility for Liberians and other ECOWAS citizens. She emphasized that the harmonization of identity systems would significantly reduce the risk of fraud and improve the efficiency of various governmental and commercial processes.

During the meeting, discussions also touched on the integration of the biometric ID system with existing and future digital infrastructure projects. This integration aims to create a seamless experience for citizens accessing public services, ranging from healthcare to education and financial services. Minister Nyanti expressed optimism that with continued support from ECOWAS and other international partners, Liberia could overcome existing challenges and fully implement a secure and efficient national identification system.

Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting Liberia in this initiative. She highlighted that the success of such projects depends on collaborative efforts among member states and the need for continuous dialogue and resource sharing. She acknowledged the strides Liberia has made and encouraged the country to maintain its momentum in achieving these critical milestones.

Hon. Albert S. Boateng underscored the potential of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card to transform not just national security but also regional integration. He noted that a unified biometric identity system would facilitate cross-border trade, improve data accuracy, and support regional development goals. Boateng encouraged Liberia to leverage the experiences and best practices of other member states that have successfully deployed the biometric ID system.

As part of the meeting, the head of the National Identification Registry provided a detailed overview of the technical aspects and progress of the biometric identity system’s implementation. He discussed the steps taken to address logistical challenges and the importance of continuous training and capacity-building for personnel involved in the project.

Senator Steve Zargo emphasized the economic benefits of the ECOWAS Biometric ID Card, noting that it would streamline processes for businesses and reduce administrative burdens. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize the project’s successful implementation, viewing it as a critical step towards realizing Liberia’s economic potential.

Deputy Minister Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei concluded the session by highlighting the next steps, including a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the benefits and usage of the new biometric ID card. He assured the ECOWAS delegation of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the project and thanked them for their continued support.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties agreeing on the importance of sustained collaboration and the need for additional resources to ensure the project’s success. The ECOWAS delegation promised ongoing technical and financial support to help Liberia meet its goals.

In summary, the special meeting between the Government of Liberia, ECOWAS officials, and other stakeholders marked a significant step forward in enhancing national security and regional integration through the adoption of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card. The commitment from all sides highlights a shared vision for a more secure, efficient, and integrated West Africa.