Fatshimetrie Nigeria’s Immigration CEO, Kemi Nandap, has been appointed Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum. The appointment came at a recent meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, where 13 Member States met to discuss migration and mobility challenges.
The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric National Identity Card (ENBIC) and abolishing the 90-day stay limit/residence permit for ECOWAS citizens. The ENBIC is intended to replace the ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit, facilitating travel, residence and business in the region without compromising national security.
The Director General of Immigration stressed the need for rapid implementation of policies to foster regional integration and socio-economic progress. She acknowledged the progress made so far, while highlighting current challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking and border security concerns, exacerbated by the vastness of the borders.
She called for a coordinated and harmonized approach to border management and immigration practices across the region to ensure both security and protection of citizens’ rights.
The forum concluded with the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of the agreed pillars, to be pursued progressively within the framework of the realization of Act SA.1/7/14, a decision of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
This mandate will also be carried out in collaboration with the existing Thematic Working Group on Border Management established earlier. This collaboration will strengthen policies and actions to ensure effective border and immigration management, while protecting the rights and security of citizens in the region.
This appointment is of paramount importance to ECOWAS and marks a significant step towards better coordination and enhanced cooperation in the area of immigration and border management.