NIS plans to secure borders with tech
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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.
It also disclosed that it has promoted a total of 13,977 officers since the year 2024 began as part of efforts to enhance its operations.
Speaking in Jos during the ongoing 2024 annual general conference of the NIS, the Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap said, “We recognise the complexities of securing our 4,047km borders with Benin (773km), Cameroon (1690km), Chad (87Km), Niger (1497) and the Gulf of Guinea, (853km).
“We are happy to let you know of the ongoing transformation over the years, including our recent administrative and operational reforms with a 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 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 Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria can only be secure, productive and protective if its borders are secure.
“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 with happenings in the world,” the minister stressed.
On his part, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the state, Samuel Jatau, expressed concern that the state has faced border-related challenges with individuals from neighbouring countries who sometimes entered without proper checks.
