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The Nigerian Immigration Service has revealed plans to strengthen border security and migration management in the country with new technological innovations.
The NIS also disclosed that it has promoted a total of 13,977 officers since the year 2024 began in renewed efforts to enhance its operations.
Speaking in Jos on Friday at the 2024 annual General Conference of the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, said, “We recognise the complexities of securing our 4,047 km borders with Benin (773 km), Cameroun (1690 km), Chad (87 km), Niger (1497) and the Gulf of Guinea (853 km).
“Over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges, but our collective resilience and dedication have yielded significant progress.
“We are happy to let you know of the ongoing transformation over the years, including our recent administrative and operational reforms with huge impact on Border Governance, Passport Administration and Control, Visa Regime, Infrastructural Development, Deployment of ICT, Interagency Synergy, ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum (collaboration), Staff welfare and Human Capital Development, including the promotion of 13,977 officers in 2024 alone.
“It is expedient for me to highlight that within the framework of the statutory duties of the NIS, we strive at all times to ensure an equitable balance between free movement facilitation and security.
“NIS is committed to leveraging technology, international cooperation, and capacity building to address these challenges.”
The NIS boss expressed optimism that the conference presents another opportunity for them to re-strategise and collectively work towards taking the NIS to greater heights.
She urged all the participants and other stakeholders to put on their thinking caps to make the annual conference worthwhile
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria can only be secure, productive and protective if its borders are secure.
Tunji-Ojo noted that security all over the world is no longer reactive but proactive.
He called for synergy and collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service and Border Community Development Agency to effectively secure the nation’s borders.
“The Immigration Service is an agency for thinkers, strategists and innovators with the right ideologies; hence, the need for research into new ideas to keep abreast of happenings in the world,” the Minister said.
Also speaking, Plateau state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed concern that the State has faced border-related challenges with individuals from neighbouring countries sometimes entering without proper checks
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Samuel Jatau, the Governor maintained that his administration was committed to fostering greater collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other stakeholders to ensure that every identified challenge is addressed
Our Correspondent reports that the annual conference, themed “Enhancing Border Security and Migration Management in a Globalised World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria,” aimed to identify emerging challenges and opportunities in border Governance and immigration services as well as develop sustainable strategies for repositioning the NIS towards enhancing National Security and economic interests.
