The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has urged member states to enforce the protocol on free movement of persons and goods, and the right of residence, with sanctions for non-compliance. This resolution aims to eliminate residence permits, replacing them with biometric identity cards to facilitate movement and trade across the region.
Key Recommendations:
- Eliminate Residence Permits: Replace permits with finger biometrics for citizens to move freely within West Africa.
- Biometric Identity Cards: Accelerate issuance, ensure uniformity, and accessibility to citizens.
- Training for Immigration and Customs Officers: Include modules on Community text to facilitate smooth movement.
- Sanctions for Non-Compliance: Implement clear mechanisms against member states and officials failing to implement community texts.
Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, First Rapporteur of the joint committee, emphasized the need for free movement, citing firsthand experiences of restrictions and levies on goods and people. The resolution seeks to reconcile free movement, trade facilitation, and public security requirements.
This development follows ECOWAS’ efforts to adopt biometric ID cards, already introduced in Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. The ECOWAS Commission aims to strengthen regional trade and movement through this initiative.
The resolution was adopted at the Third Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lome, Togo, and is subject to approval.
Add Comment