By Correspondent in Abuja.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The Federal Government has announced plans to rehabilitate the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to strengthen border management and security.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of 105 officers trained in the use of newly implemented e-border solutions. He commended the leadership of the NIS, led by Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, for its innovative approaches to border management and migration governance.
Our correspondent reports that Nigeria shares a 4,047 km border with Benin (773 km), Cameroon (1,690 km), Chad (87 km), Niger (1,497 km), and the Gulf of Guinea (853 km), making effective border management critical.
“Our borders are unique, as Nigeria is both a Sahel state and a Gulf of Guinea state. This geographic positioning presents challenges like irregular migration influenced by climate change and economic disparities,” Tunji-Ojo noted.
The Minister noted with delight, the ongoing efforts to upgrade FOBs and provide officers with the tools and technology required for effective operations.
“We are addressing the dilapidated state of FOBs and ensuring officers are equipped to meet challenges head-on. Technology is crucial, but we are also focusing on other essential resources,” he said.
He praised the dedication of the trained officers, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, determination, and resilience in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
He also commended the government’s commitment to workforce welfare through regular promotions, improved salaries, and allowances, noting that these measures aim to create a motivated and efficient workforce.
The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NID), Kemi Nandap explained that the training, involving officers from 28 border formations, focused on building expertise in deploying and managing e-border solutions.
“This training enhances our surveillance capabilities, data management, and collaboration with regional and international stakeholders, ensuring more secure borders and facilitating trade,” Nandap said.
She added that the NIS is prioritizing both technological advancements and human capital development to address border security challenges comprehensively. “These officers have been rigorously trained to effectively handle the systems deployed, ensuring better outcomes in the field,” she said.
The initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging technology and capacity building for improved border security and national safety.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
