Nigeria Immigration Service and IOM Deepen Strategic Collaboration On Border Governance, Migration Management

Nigeria Immigration Service and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration in promoting effective Migration Management and Border Governance in Nigeria. This was reinforced at the NIS/IOM High-Level Strategic Engagement Meeting held on Thursday, 13th November, 2025, in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Strategic Collaboration for Effective Migration Management and Border Governance.

2. The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Lagos, ACG EL Anugwa, pcc fsi, fcna, while welcoming participants to the engagement meeting hailed the unique collaboration between Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) calling it a reference in Government to International Organization synergy and commended IOM for their continued support. Goodwill messages from NIS-IOM Projects Donor Agencies including British High Commission, Consulate of Germany and Consulate of Kingdom of the Netherlands emphasized leveraging on the collaboration for effective Migration Management management and improved Border Governance.

3. The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn in her Keynote Address, emphasized that the meeting represented a strategic opportunity to review the trajectory of NIS–IOM cooperation and chart a roadmap for deeper collaboration towards modernized and technology-driven Border Management. She acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership and technical support, which have contributed immensely to institutional reforms, operational capacity enhancement, and the development of policy frameworks such as the National Border Management Strategy.
4. Speaking at the event, the Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Mr. Dimanche Sharon, commended NIS for its visionary leadership and reform-driven approach to Migration Management and Border Governance. He noted that the Service has become a regional reference point for digital transformation in Border Government through the deployment of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), e-Border solutions, enhanced identity management, and improved operational capacity in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. He further stressed that the engagement provides a platform to identify operational gaps, capacity needs, and areas for high-impact interventions in the next phase of the NIS–IOM partnership.
5. The two-day strategic engagement will feature high-level presentations and technical sessions on key thematic areas, aiming to produce actionable recommendations and a joint roadmap to guide future engagements between NIS and IOM. This initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in Migration Management and Border Governance in West and Central Africa.

e-Signed
ACI A. S. Akinlabi
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
13th November, 2025

The Nigeria Immigration Service organized a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Seminar themed “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response” at the Service Headquarters, Abuja. The seminar brought together representatives from key government institutions, international partners, and civil society organizations to discuss emerging trends in migrant smuggling and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

Declaring the seminar open and in her keynote address, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, described Smuggling of Migrants as a growing transnational threat to national security and human dignity, stressing that “it is our collective duty to ensure no Nigerian is left vulnerable to exploitation or deception.” She noted that Nigeria’s socio-economic diversity makes it a source, transit, and destination country for Migration, and called for a coordinated national strategy built on partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

The Comptroller-General further revealed that the Service’s renewed operational alertness has continued to yield tangible results. Recently, Border Patrol operatives at Seme Border denied entry to 332 migrants who lacked valid travel documents, while 294 Nigerian nationals suspected to be irregular migrants attempting to leave the country under the “Japa Syndrome” were refused exit. In addition, 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued at the same border. She attributed these successes to enhanced border surveillance measures, including the installation of new CCTV cameras.

In her welcome address, the Deputy-Comptroller General Migration Directorate, N Odikpo, highlighted that the seminar provides a platform not only to share knowledge but also to forge stronger partnerships in combating the menace. She emphasized that “the fight against migrant smuggling is not merely about enforcing laws, it is about protecting lives.

The technical session featured three presentations titled “Strengthening Collaboration for a Coordinated National Response to Smuggling of Migrants,” “The Evolving Role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Combating Migrant Smuggling,” and “Upholding the Rights and Dignity of Migrants in Nigeria’s Response to Smuggling.” The presentations explored operational challenges, best practices, and the importance of human-rights-based approaches to migration management.

Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants, dismantling smuggling networks, and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to respond to irregular migration through effective inter-agency cooperation.

This sensitization seminar reinforces the Service’s determination to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration in line with the Federal Government’s Migration Governance framework and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
11th November, 2025

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, participated in the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, organized and co-hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with Government of France. While speaking at the meeting, she announced that the Nigeria Immigration Service is set to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC). The initiative forms part of the Service’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Identity Management and Border Governance frameworks in line with global best practices.

2. The high-level meeting convened critical stakeholders in migration management in Nigeria and abroad including National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internal Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Representatives from ECOWAS, AU, EU, African and European countries

3. The meeting seeks to reinforce coordinated prevention, protection, and prosecution responses to Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons across African and European migration routes among participating Migration Agencies. Serving as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning legal frameworks, and fostering inter-agency cooperation, the forum underscored the importance of collective and sustained action in addressing the root causes of irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, with emphasis on the protection of rights of objects migrants smuggling and victims of human trafficking

4. Delivering her keynote address titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses” the Nigeria Immigration Service Perspective, the Comptroller-General highlighted part of the Service’s comprehensive reform agenda which also focuses on combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons through enhanced Border Governance, improved Migration Management systems, capacity building, and strengthened international collaboration.

5. Building on this framework, the CGI explained that the forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will serve as a temporary travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner. She noted that the travel document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad and valid only for single entry, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.

6. The Comptroller-General reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, emphasizing that the Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders.

e-Signed
ACI A. S. Akinlabi
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
5th November, 2025

The Nigeria Immigration Service, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior, successfully convened a crucial Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop yesterday, 20th October 2025 in Lagos. The event focused on the implementation of three major government initiatives: the Expatriate Quota Reform, the New Visa Regime, and the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP).

2. Held at the Jevinik Event Hall, Ikeja, the workshop brought together key participants from the private sector, regulatory bodies, and relevant government agencies. The primary objective was to provide a first-hand understanding of the ongoing immigration reforms designed to enhance the ease of doing business, deepen regulatory compliance, and strengthen Nigeria’s migration governance framework.
   In his welcome remarks, the Assistant Comptroller-General, Zone A, E. L. Anungwa, expressed gratitude to the participants and emphasized the Service’s unwavering commitment to fostering open dialogue and effective stakeholder engagement for the seamless execution of these reforms.

3. Delivering the Comptroller-General’s goodwill message, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Visa and Residence, F. U. Nwaneka, highlighted the reforms as strategic innovations aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence within Nigeria’s Immigration ecosystem. She stressed that collaboration remains critical to achieving these objectives and urged participants to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the new policies.

4. The workshop was formally declared open on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, by the Director of Citizenship and Business, Mrs. Okuboere S. Mukah. The Ministry’s representative underscored the government’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening migration governance, and fostering an enabling environment for investment and national development. Similarly, the DG NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director Legal, Barr. Thompson Akapbio, in his remarks, commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for its relentless drive in ensuring that stakeholders are kept abreast of the various innovations within the Service and urged the Service to maintain its current progressive drive in improving Border Security and Migration Management.

5. The technical sessions featured detailed presentations on the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, the Expatriate Quota Reform, the application processes for e-CERPAC and e-TWP, and the Post-Amnesty Programme. An interactive session followed, allowing stakeholders to seek necessary clarifications on implementation procedures.

6. The Nigeria Immigration Service reaffirms its dedication to building a transparent, technology-driven, and business-friendly immigration system that supports national development and reinforces constructive collaboration among all stakeholders.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
21st October, 2025

NIS Leads the Future of Digital Governance: Double Honours at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (The Presidency), State House Awards Night, Held October 10  2025.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has been honoured by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms as the Best Federal MDA in Public Service Automation, in recognition of its exceptional strides in digital transformation, process innovation, and technology-driven Service Delivery, setting a national benchmark for efficiency and transparency in governance.

At the same event, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the Service’s digital modernization agenda.

Assistant Comptroller-General PC Ogbodo, pcc, who heads the Gender and Welfare Unit, received the awards on behalf of the Service and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, expressing appreciation to the Bureau of Public Service Reforms and reaffirming the Service’s dedication to continuous innovation and excellence in governance.

The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolutely committed to aligning with global best practices, harnessing digital innovation, and delivering world-class service.

eSigned
ACI AS Akinlabi
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
13th October, 2025.

PASSING OUT PARADE AND PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE 50TH SUPERINTENDENT BASIC COURSE: 689 CADETS COMMISSIONED AS OFFICERS.

The Nigeria Immigration Service today held the Passing Out Parade and Presidential Commissioning of the 50th Superintendent Basic Course at the Immigration Training School, Kano. A total of 689 cadets who successfully completed the course were officially commissioned as Officers of the Service.

2. The Commandant of the Immigration Training School, Kano, ACG Idris Ozigi Akande, pcc+, fsi, mnim, mspsp, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, KN Nandap pcc mmis fsmn for her exceptional support in enhancing the institution. He noted that the improved facilities have been instrumental in producing quality officers who are not only operationally sound, but also well-equipped with the knowledge and character required to meet contemporary Migration and Border Management demands.
3. The Comptroller-General, KN Nandap pcc, mmis, fsmn during her speech appreciated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support and reform-driven leadership in transforming the Service to a modern, technology driven agency. She urged the newly commissioned officers to serve as vigilant, firm, and strong defenders of the nation’s borders, while balancing their duty with courtesy, fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
4. The reviewing officer, the Honourable Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ably represented by the Secretary to Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Maj. Gen AM Jibril Rtd congratulated the newly commissioned officers, affirming that Nigeria has entered a new era of immigration management driven by digital innovation, efficiency, and citizen-centered service. He charged the officers to embody these reforms by upholding professionalism, embracing innovation, and driving solutions to Nigeria’s Migration and Border Management challenges.

e-Signed
ACI AS Akinlabi
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
27th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

SIX DISTINGUISHED SENIOR OFFICERS DECORATED AS DEPUTY-COMPTROLLERS GENERAL IN THE NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Board (CDCFIB), under the Ministry of Interior, has decorated a new set of Deputy Comptrollers, Controllers and Commandants General (DCGs), among whom are six distinguished officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service: DCG N Odikpo, DCG AS Rano, DCG FU Nwaneka, DCG SB Daura, DCG DM Bagari, DCG A Obanime, and DCG SA Rano.

2. Delivering his opening remarks, the Secretary of the CDCFIB, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) A.M. Jibril, warmly congratulated the appointees and highlighted the far-reaching significance of their elevation, describing it as a milestone that will strengthen leadership within the Service and open doors for greater career advancement, to which they were subsequently invited and decorated by the Honourable Minister of Interior.
3. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during his closing remarks reaffirmed that the appointments were anchored on merit, urging the newly promoted DCGs to demonstrate greater commitment and leadership as they support the CGI in discharging her duty of building a strong, verifiable institution while also enhancing National Security and service excellence. He further pledged the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring officers’ steady career growth and progression within the Service
4. Responding on behalf of the decorated officers, DCG N Odikpo expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR for the trust and confidence reposed in them. She also thanked the Honourable Minister and the CDCFIB Secretary for their roles in the process, pledging that the newly elevated DCGs will work diligently to justify their appointments and contribute positively to National Security. ⁠
   ACI AS AKINLABI
   SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
   NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS,
   ABUJA.
   25TH SEPTEMBER, 2025

NIS PARTNERS GERMAN FEDERAL POLICE, RECEIVES 40 WALKIE-TALKIE RADIOS TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL CAPACITY

The Nigeria Immigration Service has received forty (40) pieces of Motorola DP4801e Walkie-Talkie Radios donated by the German Federal Police, as part of the ongoing cooperation between both institutions. The official handing-over ceremony took place on 4th August, 2025, at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.

2. Representing the German Embassy at the ceremony were Mr. Felix Haala, Press Counsellor, and Miss Roil Ukwu, Press Communication Officer, on behalf of the German Federal Police.
3. The Comptroller General, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn through the Comptroller for Bilateral and Multilateral engagements AD Crown, expressed appreciation to the German Government for the donation, noting that the equipments will go a long way in boosting communication efficiency, strengthening field operations, and supporting the Service’s broader mandate of ensuring Border Security and effective Migration Management.
4. This engagement further cements the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Germany, while reinforcing shared commitments to security cooperation and improved Migration Governance.

e-Signed
ACI AS Akinlabi
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
4th August, 2025

The Nigeria Immigration Service top management attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ministers’ Conference of the Ministry of Interior themed “From Plan to Result – Strengthening Institutional Performance in the Ministry of Interior.” held on 28th August 2025, at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State.

The high-level conference, organized by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, convened 58 senior officers from agencies under the Ministry, all Directors, and members of the Board led by the Secretary Maj. Gen A.M. Jebiri(RtD). Also in attendance was the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman.

The conference facilitated comprehensive discussions on the theme, exploring innovations, reforms, and performance enhancements to optimize the Ministry and its agencies’ efficiency and Service Delivery.

In his keynote address, the Honorable Minister, stressed the imperative of innovation and reforms to boost institutional performance and achieve tangible outcomes. While acknowledging existing challenges, he commended the progress made by agencies and encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to excellence and enhanced Service Delivery, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision for a better future.