Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio, Sierra Leone’s Chief Immigration Officer, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum during its 9th annual meeting held in Cotonou, Benin.

In his address, Dr. Baio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening border management, promoting the free movement of people, and advancing the ECOWAS National Biometric Identification Card initiative. He emphasized that the region’s growing movement of people—driven by trade, family ties, culture, and employment—highlights the importance of safe and efficient border systems.

Representing Sierra Leone, Dr. Baio shared greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and commended the government of Benin for hosting the event. He also highlighted Sierra Leone’s success in implementing the ECOWAS biometric identity card, which has been operational since 2024. Since January 2025, border posts at Gbalamuya and Jendema have recorded over 2,400 ECOWAS citizens using the card to travel legally between Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.

Dr. Baio encouraged other member states to adopt similar systems, noting that regional integration should be seen not just as a political goal but as a social and economic necessity. “When West Africans can move freely and lawfully, our economies thrive and our unity deepens,” he said.

The annual ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum brings together officials from across the subregion to discuss migration, mobility, and regional cooperation. It also reviews progress on identity management, border security, and labor migration policies aimed at fostering stability and development throughout West Africa.