The Nigerian government has introduced a cutting-edge system for monitoring and pre-profiling individuals entering or leaving the country, marking a significant step forward in border management and national security.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the development during the closing ceremony of the second phase of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Knowledge Transfer Training on border management, held on Tuesday. The training program, led by international experts, aims to enhance the capabilities of the NIS in managing Nigeria’s borders.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the system integrates real-time data from airlines and security agencies worldwide, allowing authorities to pre-profile and track travelers effectively. “From our newly-built Command and Control Centre, all persons entering and exiting the country are now being pre-profiled and monitored real-time with data syncing simultaneously from various airlines and security agencies across the globe,” he stated.
The minister credited the technological advancements to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a transformed Nigeria Immigration Service, highlighting the administration’s investments in infrastructure and capacity development.
“This achievement underscores the President’s commitment to reform and progress. His strategic investments in infrastructure and human capacity development have significantly enhanced operations and management within the NIS,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
He also commended the leadership of NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, for spearheading the innovative measures. “The Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President has indeed ushered in a new era for Nigeria, and I am proud of the great job around border governance that the NIS team under the leadership of Kemi Nanna Nandap is pioneering in Africa,” the minister added.
As part of the initiative, 105 immigration officers received specialized training and will be deployed to various border posts across the country. These officers are expected to utilize their newly acquired skills to bolster border security and align with the service’s mandate.
The technological upgrade and training are seen as pivotal steps in addressing critical border security challenges and ensuring Nigeria remains at the forefront of innovative border management in Africa.
