SL Chief Immigration Officer Graces LIberian Immigration Service 182 Graduation Ceremony

Gbarnga City, Bong County,Republic of Liberia-Saturday 29th June 2024

In a significant milestone for regional integration and general cooperation, the dynamic and result-orinted Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh graced the graduation ceremony of 182 Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), batch 7 In Training under the Theme: “LIS; Spirited, Rejuvenated to Serve”, called on them to be agent of charge.

Giving his keynote address, he talked about the importance of ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), ECOWAS Brown Card, the Movement, and Mano River Protocol and the inter-Relationship between and amongst Sierra Leone and the Republic of Liberia.

The Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer emphasised the essence of acquiring an ECOWAS identity cards which he said its easily helps in identifying individual traveling across the ECOWAS borders.

He opined that the graduation ceremony remains one of the most memorable events in anybody’s life, adding that the result of commitment shown by graduates during their course of study. He, therefore, encouraged them all to show the very same commitment in execution of their duties as Immigration Officers and endeavor to make a difference for the greater good in shaping the destiny of the region.

“Today, I want to underscore some of the key initiatives that are driving this progress; the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, the ECOWAS Brown Card, the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols and the Mano River Protocol ands.”

He pointed out that the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering seamless travel and enhancing security within the ECOWAS region. THE Chief Immigration Officer said Biometric ID Card serves a single, unified identification system for citizens of ECOWAS member States.

While thanking his Liberia Counterpart for the special invitation. the eloquent and no nonsense CIO stated that the cornerstones of regional integration are the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, stating that this protocol embodies the vision of a borderless West Africa, allowing citizens to move freely, reside, and establish business in any member state.

“The Mano River Protocol is a sub-regional initiative that focuses on cooperation among the countries within the Mano River Union, namely Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. This protocol, he said emphasises collaboration efforts in areas such as economic development, environmental conversation, and peace building. It is a testament to the shared history and common aspirations of the people within this sub-region.”*

The ECOWAS Brown Card, he added, is another vital tool that promotes regional integration, stating that it functions as a motor vehicle insurance scheme that guarantees compensation for victims of road accidents involving vehicles travelling across ECOWAS member states. He said the card is a demonstration of their commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of their citizens.

As he admonished graduades, he also emphasised the relationship between Sierra Leone and Liberia, noting that two countries are prime examples of the benefits of these ECOWAS initiatives. He said both countries have experienced the transformative power of regional cooperation. Through the ENBIC, the CIO added that citizens of Sierra Leone and Liberia can travel more freely and securely, strengthening familial and business ties.

He concluded by reiterated that the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, the ECOWAS Brown Card, the Free Movement Protocol, and the Mano River Protocol are more than just policies; they are the building blocks of a more connected, secure, and prosperous West Africa.

Atty. Stephen J.H. Zargo, Commissioner General for the Liberia Immigration Service, congratulated the graduades and called on them to be a patriot in executing their functions.

He thanked and appreciated the United Nations Development Program for their tremendous efforts in supporting them towards the training of 182 LIS Officers. He disclosed that they have over 176 prowess borders to mane but noting that their staff capacity would not able to mane all the borders between Liberia and other Mano River countries.

During his visit, Hon. Alusine Kanneh also paid a courtesy call to the Sierra Leone Ambassy in Liberia, where he met with Ambassador Eddie Massally and his. The CIO thanked and appreciated the visit while applauding the sustained performance on all sides to reinforce the strong bones of cooperation and mutual respect between the two sister countries.