Steps to apply for the New ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) – ENBIC is a biometric identification card intended for citizens of nations within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aimed at ensuring secure identity verification and facilitating travel/interaction among member countries. Nigeria has become one of the nations providing ENBIC following the official launch.
Steps to apply for the New ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC)
- Visit the official NIS / ENBIC portal
- Begin by going to the official NIS website (or designated ENBIC application portal) to access the application form.
- Complete the ENBIC application form
- Fill all required personal information accurately.
- Declare that the information provided is correct (there will likely be a checkbox or declaration statement).
- Print acknowledgment / application slips
- After submitting the form, print out the “Application Acknowledgement Page” or slip.
- Make Payment through approved channels
- Proceed to “Online Payment” via the portal. Payment can be made in Naira.
- Payment methods typically include Bank payment, eWallet, or Credit/Debit card.
- After payment, you will receive a Payment Confirmation / Validation Number — keep this receipt carefully.
- Confirm Payment and Check Application Status
- On the portal, go to “Check ENBIC (or ECOWAS Card) Application Status”. Enter your Application ID and Reference Number.
- When prompted, enter the Validation Number from your payment receipt.
- Once confirmed, a date for biometric enrolment (interview / capture) will be generated — print the acknowledgement or receipt for this.
- Attend Biometric Enrolment at NIS Office
- On your scheduled date, visit the NIS office indicated in your application. Bring all required documents, including the payment confirmation, acknowledgement slip, and your valid travel document (like an ECOWAS Travel Certificate or International Passport) as proof of identity.
- Your biometric data (photo, fingerprints, other biometric/biographical data) will be captured. This will embed the electronic chip that defines the ENBIC’s secure identity features.
- Wait for Card Issuance / Pickup Instructions
- After enrolment and processing, the NIS will notify you when your ENBIC is ready for collection (or delivery) — following their standard procedures.
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Wow! This is highly commendable.
Kudos to ECOWAS, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Services, the interior Minister, and his team on this great feat!
However, how would Nigeria nationals in diaspora get their biometrics captured and get their ENBIC biometric cards?
The registration process above involves visiting the NIS office for capturing of the national’s biometrics, after payment and other steps.
Thank you.