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, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, represented by Deputy Comptroller General Works and Logistics, AJ Umanah, alongside members of the NIS Top Management, received a delegation from Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited on a working visit. The delegation was led by Beth Adedeji, Country Human Resources Manager, and Mrs. Beverly Ogbaide, Policy and Benefits Manager, on 29th October, 2025, at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.

The visit focused on strengthening already existing collaboration and appreciating the ongoing Reforms by the Service, aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management of foreign employment in Nigeria.

Discussions also centered on exploring modalities for seamless compliance with the new policy framework, addressing and resolving any challenges faced by the company, and strengthening collaboration to ensure compliance to the reform process.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
Service Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
29th October, 2025

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to the Service Headquarters in Abuja today, where they inspected the newly built Centralized Passport Personalization Center.

The delegation toured the facility, accompanied by technical partners who provided detailed briefings on each unit within the state-of-the-art center. Journalists were also present, gaining first-hand insight into this significant milestone in passport administration.

This world-class facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology is designed to put an end to production of passports across multiple centres and centralization in one location. This will significantly boost passport production capacity and streamline the process for Nigerians seeking passports by reducing their waiting time.

The Honorable Minister described the new passport center as a long-awaited achievement, marking a significant milestone for the NIS since 1963. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, noting that the center will boost daily passport production from 300 to 5,000 units, aligning with global standards. This upgrade is expected to eliminate backlogs and delays, ensuring Nigerians receive their passports in record time.

The Nigeria Immigration Service remains firmly committed to delivering seamless, transparent, and efficient passport services to all Nigerians worldwide, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE
HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA
18TH SEPTEMBER 2025

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received a delegation from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, led by its Deputy Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer, Mr Stephen Peck on a courtesy visit to the NIS Headquarters.

The engagement aimed to establish a synergy with the Nigeria Immigration Service, particularly in the facilitation of immigration documentation, as Nigeria prepares to host the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum 2025 in Lagos, bringing together around 400 distinguished delegates from over 60 nations.

The Comptroller General, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Works and Logistics, AJ Umanah, assured the delegation of the Service’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure a seamless immigration process for all participants. She emphasized the Service’s dedication to contributing to the success of international events that foster economic and diplomatic development thereby promoting Nigeria’s global profile.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
4TH JULY, 2025

The Comptroller General Nigeria Immigration Service, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn received a delegation from the Border Community Development Agency (BCDA) led by The Executive Secretary, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, dssrs, fniqs.

During the visit, the Executive Secretary expressed his agency’s commitment to supporting the NIS in its efforts to secure the Nation’s Borders. He highlighted the importance of community engagement and empowerment in preventing security threats and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The Comptroller General appreciated the agency’s collaboration with the NIS and assured that the Service would continue to work closely with them to achieve both agency’s shared goals. She emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach in addressing Border Security challenges and welcomed the opportunity to leverage the agency’s expertise and resources.

The meeting is a significant step towards enhanced collaboration on Border Security initiatives and promotion of regional stability.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
20TH JUNE, 2025

The Comptroller General, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received a courtesy visit from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) delegation, led by Dimanche Sharon, the new Chief of Mission in Nigeria.

In her speech, the Chief of Mission, highlighted that her visit aimed to promote regular migration and strengthen collaboration on integrated Border Management, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures at key crossing points, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Lake Chad Basin.

The Comptroller General, during her remarks, highlighted the significance of partnerships in Migration Management and Border Security, noting that Border Governance is the Service’ core mandate. She emphasized the role of technology in enhancing Border control and National Security, and praised the strategic partnership with IOM, outlining potential areas for future collaboration in operations, technical expertise, and legal frameworks.

This engagement between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signifies a reaffirmed commitment by the Service to strengthening Border Management, promoting regular Migration, and enhancing National Security through strategic partnerships.

e-Signed
ACI AS AKINLABI
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
4TH JUNE, 2025

Yesterday, The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, led by the Chairman, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, on an oversight visit. The focus of the visit was on promoting a culture of safety within the Service.

The Comptroller General reaffirmed NIS’ commitment to maintaining high safety standards through strict adherence to standard operating procedures and HSE protocols.

Hon. Idris in his remarks emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) unit.

The Committee, accompanied by safety professionals from other agencies, inspected various NIS Headquarters facilities to assess existing HSE measures. They commended NIS efforts and pledged to provide a formal report with recommendations, while encouraging NIS to sustain and enhance its safety practices.

This engagement lays a foundation for ongoing improvement, accountability, and alignment with global safety standards.

e-Signed
AS AKINLABI
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE
HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
20th MAY, 2025