FG Signs N14.7b MoU
FG Signs
N14.7b MoU for ECOWAS Biometric Card
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement as a
contractor – Financed Scheme in favour of Messrs Euphoria Press
Limited, over a concession period of ten years to
produce 13million internationally compliant ECOWAS Biometric
Identity Cards at the cost of N14.7billion.
The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (rtd) Abdurahman
Bello Dambazau, said that the move is one of government’s effort
towards curtailing illegal movement into the country as well
as curb insecurity.
General Dambazau said that the ECOWAS Heads of States and
Governments adopted the use of the smart card and biometric
technology to provide a high level of confidence in the identity of
the travel document holder and help to validate their status and
entitlement.
According to him, the N14.7 billion smart card which
incorporates biometric identity credentials will enable an
authentication process that will link identity to the physical
person through an electronic authentication process.
The minister who added that the implementation of the biometric
smart card is an ECOWAS obligation, with member States expected to
commence issuing the cards to their citizens, said further that the
card which will replace the current travel certificate will
have the same colour in all member states, especially detailed
information of the holder, including a photograph.
Dambazau said that there was need for Nigeria to show Africa and
the world that the nation is serious in providing integration
services in West Africa.
He added that the signing would not have come at a better time
than now, as the ministry recently signed another MoU with Interpol
for security within Nigerian borders, even as he revealed that the
Ministry is saddled with the responsibility of issuing the ID
cards.
General Dambazau assured that: “the ECOWAS Biometric ID
Card is meant to complement the effort of the present
administration in enhancing integration in the sub region. It is
meant to replace ECOWAS traveller certificate. Incidentally, we
just signed an agreement with Interpol for security partnership
within our borders, so the ID card is meant to complement this
effort”.
“The project will cost N14.7 billion for 13 million cards.
Nevertheless, due processes will be followed in the execution of
the project, especially the TSA that will be used for the execution
of the project. There must also be constant monitoring and
evaluation for duration of the project.”
According to him, the decision to grant approval for the
production of the cards on PPP arrangement by the Federal Executive
Council (FEC), was based on the realisation that they can inject
capital into the economy, create employment opportunities and
improve security.
The agreement he said, shall be for a period of ten years.
Earlier, the President/CEO, Euphoria Group of Companies
explained that the new card which would be linked with the National
Identity Card Number (NIMC) will among other things eliminate
extortion, harassment and humiliation which Citizens currently
experience at different entry borders and check points
within the sub region.
He said the implementation of the scheme will not only be in
compliance with an ECOWAS policy which the federal government is
obliged to adhere to but will facilitate efficient trade
between member countries.
SIGNED
Mohammed Manga
Director (Press & Public Relations)
For: Honourable Minister