Niger has launched a new biometric national identity card, with President Abdourahamane Tiani being the first to receive the card at the presidential palace in Niamey.
The new document, known as the CNIB-AES, was presented to Tiani by senior police officials in the presence of government ministers and members of the ruling council on Friday.
Authorities said the new biometric card is part of a broader effort by the Alliance of Sahel States to harmonise identity and travel documents, improve security and facilitate the movement of citizens across member countries.
The AES, comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, was created in 2023 after the three countries broke away from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which they accused of leaning towards Western interests. ECOWAS denies the claims and has been pushing for the Sahel countries’ return to its fold.
Mass production
The AES countries have vowed to assert their sovereignty over their internal affairs and economic resources.
The national ID rollout is the latest common initiative by the AES member states after they launched a common passport last year as part of their economic and political integration as a bloc. Niger is the second AES member state to launch the common digital ID after Burkina Faso pioneered it in December 2025, with Mali also expected to follow suit.
Officials in Niamey described the introduction of the biometric ID as a major step towards “digital sovereignty”, with the new system expected to strengthen identification processes and curb document fraud.
The pilot phase of mass production of the ID is set to begin in April 2026, with nationwide issuance planned thereafter.
Combating security threats
Citizens aged 15 and above are eligible to receive the ID, which is valid for five years. With advanced security features to protect personal data, the digital ID will replace Niger’s current paper non-digital national ID.
The government said the official launch follows months of preparation, including agreements with technology partners to build the infrastructure required for biometric enrolment and secure data management.
A modern data centre and advanced verification systems are expected to underpin the programme.
Authorities also noted that the new cards will enhance national and regional security by enabling more reliable identification of citizens, particularly in a region facing security challenges and cross-border threats.
The CNIB-AES is made of durable polycarbonate material and meets international standards, officials said, adding that its introduction represents a significant modernisation of Niger’s civil registration system.
