Tunji-Ojo Demands Single ECOWAS Data System To End Border Vulnerabilities

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the creation of a unified regional information system to revolutionise border control and migration governance across West Africa.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of Ministers in charge of Immigration and Border Management within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the urgent need for a centralised database that would serve as a “single source of truth” for member states.

He warned that the absence of a coordinated data management structure continues to weaken border systems across the sub-region, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.

According to him, the reliance on physical identification cards and fragmented verification processes undermines the transformative power of modern technology.

“A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the mi sister on media and publicity , Alao Babatunde quoted the minister as saying, said, ” What we can do realistically is to be able to create an integrated platform where we can integrate all these solutions and be able to have a shared solution.

“With a unified database covering visas, residency permits, and identity verification, ECOWAS can move toward a supranational framework that enhances trust, efficiency, and security.” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo further noted that such a system would significantly improve intelligence sharing among member states, strengthen efforts to combat transnational crimes, and facilitate safer, more orderly migration within the region.

He added that adopting digital solutions would also boost economic integration by simplifying cross-border movement for legitimate travellers and businesses .

The minister urged ECOWAS member states to demonstrate political will and commit resources toward the development of the platform, stressing that collaboration and interoperability would be key to its success.

“What we can do realistically is to be able to create an integrated platform where we can integrate all these solutions and be able to have a shared solution

“So the whole idea why some of these things are QR-coded is for them to be easily verified.So if we have this database, even for our visa, for residency and other things, it will be a source of truth for the processes.

“I want to advise that we shouldn’t be specific to say this percentage is for national border; for some countries, there are other things that are more context for individual countries than others.

“Border is more economic than security for some of these countries. So what will be given or what will be allocated has to be in line with the realities,” he said.

“ Let’s ensure efficiency, excellence and viability of these institutions,”

The minister further said that there was need to look into the yellow paper card mandatory requirement for travel and exemptions to specific regions

“Because, if there’s a weakness in one country, it has a way of affecting the other country, hence, we must share opinions and be able to work together.”

The statement revealed that other ministers at the meeting also echoed similar concerns about border security challenges, highlighting issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and the movement of illicit goods. They agreed on the need for deeper cooperation and the adoption of modern technologies to address these challenges collectively.

The meeting , the statement added, concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and exploring practical steps toward the implementation of a unified migration and border management system across West Africa.

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