By Ibironke Ariyo
The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has emphasised the importance of capacity building for efficient e-border governance across the country.
Nandap said this during the Passing Out Parade and Presidential inauguration of the 49th Basic Superintendent Course at the Immigration Training School, kano (ITSK).
The NIS CG congratulated the 714 graduates for successfully completing a training aimed at improving their skills in border management, migration policy, intelligence gathering and teamwork.
He assured that the NIS would prioritize training of all staff in collaboration with stakeholders through the Modernization of the Nigeria Immigration Service (MoNIS) project and other platforms.
“Capacity building is critical for efficient e-border management and we will continue to make it a priority for all NEI staff.
“We will also continue to improve the welfare of officers and military personnel through timely promotions, affordable housing and healthcare plans.
“We will establish a microfinance bank in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Cooperative Society (NIMCOS) to support the welfare of officers and men in service,” she said.
Nandap urged the graduates to shun politics, be security conscious, committed and passionate in the discharge of their duties.
He announced the completion of the Command and Control/Data Centres at the service headquarters in Abuja, adding that these would be opened soon.
She also directed the training officers to support the automation of passport application processes and strengthen efforts to combat irregular migration.
“We are committed to the full implementation of e-Border projects including the e-Gates and Advanced Passenger Information (API)/Passenger Name Record (PNR) project.
“This is to facilitate real-time monitoring and surveillance of expansive borders,” she said.
The NIS chief thanked the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, and implored them to continue supporting the service.
In his remarks, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, recognized the NIS officers as “frontline officers who protected the borders, defended the laws and promoted the values of the country.”
Tunji-Ojo demanded professionalism and discipline from the graduates and implored all to support the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured inauguration and presentation of awards to deserving graduates and was attended by the Governor of Kano State, Eng. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and other dignitaries.
