A long-standing advocacy of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) is becoming a reality under the leadership of President Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe.
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) warmly welcomes the availability of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) for registration in Nigeria. This is an important development for cross-border trade, regional integration, and the movement of people and businesses across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Registration information is available through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal:
Official registration portal: https://enbic.immigration.gov.ng
A Vision BACCIMA Has Long Championed since the last six years
From its inception, BACCIMA has consistently advocated practical measures to simplify cross-border movement, promote legitimate trade, and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
For businesses and traders operating along the Badagry–Seme corridor, identity management and efficient border procedures are not merely administrative issues. They directly affect the cost of doing business, the movement of goods and people, market access, and the livelihoods of thousands of traders and transport operators.
The availability of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card represents a welcome step towards addressing some of these concerns. By supporting reliable identity verification and facilitating the implementation of regional free-movement arrangements, the card can contribute to a more organised and efficient cross-border environment.
For BACCIMA, this development is especially significant because it reflects an objective the Chamber has advocated over the years: making regional integration work in practical terms for ordinary citizens, traders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Celebrating the collective vision and efforts of BACCIMA’s Past Presidents, including the current President
As we welcome this development during the tenure of the current President, Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, it is important to recognise that this institutional progress is built on the dedication and collective vision and efforts of the Pioneer President: Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, Immediate past President: Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, and the current President: Mr Fadipe Ashamu Sewanu.
BACCIMA sincerely appreciates the efforts of all its former Presidents, whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment helped sustain the Chamber’s mission of promoting commerce, industry, mines, agriculture, and regional economic cooperation.
We particularly acknowledge Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, Pioneer President of BACCIMA, for laying the foundation upon which the Chamber continues to build. His pioneering leadership helped establish the institutional platform for BACCIMA’s advocacy and engagement with stakeholders on issues affecting the business community.
We also deeply appreciate Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, Immediate Past President who attended the official launching of it in Abuja with the Director General Engr. Seton Senu, for his service and contributions to the Chamber. His tenure continued the work of strengthening BACCIMA’s voice on trade facilitation, border-related challenges, and economic opportunities within the Badagry axis.
Their contributions, alongside those of other past leaders and members, deserve recognition. The availability of the biometric card should therefore be seen not as the achievement of one administration alone, but as part of a continuing journey of advocacy, engagement, and institutional development.
Commending the Current Leadership
BACCIMA commends the leadership of Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, under whose tenure this long-anticipated initiative has become available for registration in Nigeria.
While the implementation of the card is a responsibility of the relevant government institutions, its availability is an encouraging development for the Chamber and the business community it represents.
It also reinforces the importance of sustained advocacy by organised private-sector institutions. Chambers of commerce play a vital role in identifying challenges faced by businesses, engaging public authorities, and championing policies and initiatives that support economic growth.
For BACCIMA, this milestone offers renewed encouragement to continue engaging government agencies, border authorities, and regional stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of regional integration reach the people who need them most.
What This Means for Traders and Businesses
The ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card is intended to support the identification of eligible citizens within the regional free-movement framework. Its effective implementation can help improve identity verification and facilitate legitimate travel across participating member states, subject to applicable requirements.
For traders and businesses in Badagry, Seme, and other border communities, the development offers hope for improved mobility and stronger economic connections across West Africa.
However, the card should not be mistaken for an automatic exemption from every immigration, customs, or other border procedure. Travellers and traders should confirm the applicable eligibility criteria, registration requirements, and permitted uses through official channels before making travel arrangements.
BACCIMA encourages eligible Nigerians to visit the official registration portal, review the instructions carefully, and complete their registration through the authorised process.
Looking Ahead: Turning Regional Integration into Economic Opportunity
The availability of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card is a welcome step, but its true value will be measured by how effectively it works for the people and businesses it is designed to serve.
BACCIMA therefore encourages the relevant authorities to ensure that registration is accessible, public awareness is strengthened, and implementation at border points is consistent with ECOWAS protocols. The Chamber also calls for continued collaboration among government agencies, chambers of commerce, trader associations, transport operators, and other stakeholders.
As an institution serving the business community from Seme to the wider Badagry axis, BACCIMA remains committed to promoting policies that reduce unnecessary barriers to legitimate trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and unlock the economic potential of cross-border commerce.
Conclusion.
The availability of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card for registration is a welcome milestone for Nigeria and the West African business community. For BACCIMA, it is also a moment to reflect on the value of consistent advocacy and the importance of institutional continuity.
We celebrate the contributions of our Pioneer President, Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi; our Immediate Past President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris; and the members whose commitment have sustained the Chamber’s vision. We also commend the Current President, Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, for leading BACCIMA at this important stage.
BACCIMA believes that when borders become easier to navigate for legitimate trade, opportunities expand for businesses, jobs are supported, and regional integration becomes more meaningful to the people of West Africa.
Our advocacy continues. Our commitment to trade facilitation remains firm. And our vision of a more connected, prosperous West Africa lives on.
For registration information, visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal: https://enbic.immigration.gov.ng
In closing, BACCIMA is encouraging legitimate cross-border traders and transporters to register through BACCIMA’s office, located in Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajara, Badagry.
Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA): Advancing Trade. Connecting Markets. Promoting Regional Prosperity.