Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo Seeks Unified Ecowas Information System For Border Management

Abidjan, Côte D’ivoire — April 30, 2026

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the establishment of a unified information system among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen border management across the sub-region.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, the minister made the call during a meeting of Immigration and Border Management Ministers held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the absence of an integrated database among ECOWAS countries continues to hinder effective migration management. He advocated for the development of a shared platform that would harmonise visa, residency, and identity data across the region.

The minister also stressed the importance of prioritising border funding based on the unique realities of each country, highlighting that border management carries both security and economic implications.

He further called for stronger collaboration among ECOWAS member states, warning that vulnerabilities in one country could have wider consequences for the entire region.

Tunji-Ojo added that improved data sharing and coordinated policies would significantly enhance border security while promoting regional integration.