NACC, NIS convene roundtable on immigration, border reforms

By Alex Olise

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, has highlighted a series of reforms aimed at strengthening border security and curbing illegal migration across Nigeria.

The reforms were presented at an international roundtable jointly organised by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Nigeria Immigration Service. The event, themed “Policy and Governance Reforms in Nigeria’s Immigration and Border Sector,” was held on April 23 at the Legend Hotel Lagos Airport Curio Collection by Hilton.

Representing the Comptroller-General, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Adamu delivered a paper titled “The Role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Implementing Best Practices.” He said the ongoing reforms align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and are already being implemented nationwide.

Adamu disclosed that more than 18,000 personnel have recently been promoted to improve morale and operational efficiency within the Service.

He further explained that border management has shifted from manual processes to technology-driven systems, including the deployment of e-border surveillance infrastructure, automated passport control systems, and digital immigration processing at entry points.

According to him, the reforms focus on five key areas: deployment of advanced technology such as e-border platforms, e-visa systems, contactless passport processing, CCTV, and passenger data integration tools; strengthened operations through round-the-clock patrols, new border formations, and increased monitoring of high-risk corridors such as the Seme axis; policy and institutional reforms, including updates to the National Migration Policy and enhanced inter-agency collaboration; improved security enforcement through stricter travel documentation checks and community engagement; and anti-corruption measures supported by digitisation and enforcement of professional standards.

In his welcome address, President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Balogun, reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for the Nigeria Immigration Service and called for sustained international cooperation, particularly from the United States Mission, to strengthen border management systems.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, said effective border control is critical to national security and economic stability. She noted that the government is modernising border and airport operations to detect and prevent the entry of watchlisted individuals through pre-arrival intelligence systems.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Salahaddine Abbas Ibrahim, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria; Eghosa Osaghae, represented at the event; and Ola Awakan, alongside other stakeholders in the security and policy space.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Comptroller-General Nandap and Dr. Ajani in recognition of their contributions to public service. Cultural entrepreneur Bolanle Austin-Peters was also honoured for her impact on the global creative industry.

Responding on behalf of the Comptroller-General, ACG Mohammed Adamu expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s borders.