ECOWAS Hands Over West African Police Information System to National and Regional Authorities

On April 8, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially handed over the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) to national and regional authorities. This ceremony marked the culmination of over a decade of strategic partnerships, cooperation, and investment in regional security infrastructure at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

WAPIS facilitates real-time data exchange, connecting national law enforcement agencies to INTERPOL's global I-24/7 network. This critical infrastructure allows for the swift exchange of information related to suspects, stolen vehicles, firearms, forged documents, and more, thus reinforcing national law enforcement capacities. By leveraging the power of structured data, WAPIS promotes interoperability, operational cooperation, and stronger collaboration between ECOWAS Member States, enabling them to work more effectively in tackling crimes that transcend borders.

The establishment of Data Collection and Registration Centres (DACORE) strengthens national security forces' ability to coordinate effectively and share vital criminal intelligence. The system also helps ECOWAS Member States meet international standards for data protection and legislative alignment, with particular attention to the Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on Personal Data Protection.

The handover demonstrates ECOWAS' commitment to building resilient, autonomous security institutions that will stand the test of time. With EU and INTERPOL's support, ECOWAS aims to encourage continued investment in the platform, ensuring that WAPIS becomes an integral part of national security infrastructures across the region.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, expressed his gratitude to the European Union and INTERPOL for their support, stating in the development and implementation of WAPIS.

He also asked the beneficiary countries to take full ownership.

This programme is not just about sharing information; it's about building trust and fostering a shared responsibility to secure the future of West Africa."

The event featured high-level participation from the European Union, INTERPOL, and WAPIS member countries, highlighting the growing role of technology in shaping regional security. The WAPIS initiative is seen as essential in achieving the ECOWAS Vision 2050 for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous West Africa.