Dragnet Solutions, Nigeria's computer-based testing and talent management firm, in partnership with the UK-based biometric solutions company, Warwick Warp (UK) Limited have announced plans to launch a Centralized Biometric Identity Database for West African Countries.

Biometrics refers to the identification of humans by their characteristics or traits. Biometric identifiers are the distinctive, measurable characteristics used to label and describe individuals often categorized as physiological versus behavioral characteristics.

A physiological biometric would identify by one's voice, DNA, hand print or behaviour.

Speaking on this initiative, the Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions, Mr. Robert Ikhazoboh said the need to provide a modern and efficient identification system that is private-sector led was the dream behind the project.

He noted that, "At Dragnet Solutions, we are noted for our bouquet of innovative products and services that are carefully designed to address seemingly intractable challenges. This project also follows this same business philosophy of Dragnet. The challenge of identification verification is one that has been with us for years and it appears that various efforts to address it have been unsuccessful.

Ikhazoboh said "In Nigeria, for instance, the National Identity Card scheme has been hampered by different issues and there seem to be no headway for now."