By Majeed Salaam
The federal government has introduced reforms across Nigeria’s airports and border points aimed at strengthening border control and restricting entry for individuals on security watchlists.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, recently disclosed this during an international roundtable on policy and governance reforms in Nigeria’s immigration and border management sector held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Dr Ajani stated that the reforms are being implemented nationwide and will be extended to all airports and land borders. She noted that the initiative is intended to address existing border management challenges and improve overall security.
She added that the first phase of the reform has been completed, covering approximately 1,000 kilometres of border infrastructure, while a second phase has received approval. She also indicated that the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies require additional equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Zone A, Mohammed Adamu, said that the reforms are expected to support national security as well as facilitate trade, investment, and tourism.
The President of the Nigerian American Chambers of Commerce, Sheriff Balogun, stated that ongoing passport issuance and processing reforms are improving service delivery and access for Nigerians.
The event, themed ‘Deconstructing the Immigration and Border Management Governance and Policy Reforms in Nigeria,’ also featured the presentation of excellence awards to three public sector officials by the Nigerian American Chambers of Commerce.
