The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has resolved to ensure an enhanced pension package for retired officers and also sustain the deployment of relevant cutting-edge technology to improve border security and migration management through automated visa insurance and passport application processes.
The resolutions were made at the weekend during the closing ceremony of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS Comptroller General Annual Conference 2024 with the theme: āEnhancing Border Security and Migration Management in a Globalized World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria.ā
Reading the seven points resolution, the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nandap Kemi Nandap, stated, among other things, that the resolutions came after exhaustive deliberations on the various paper presentations and exchange of views among the 448 participants/delegates for the three days event held in Jos, Plateau State.
Her words, āThe conference resolved that the Service shall continue to collaborate and synergize with relevant agencies and stakeholders. The Service shall sustain the deployment of relevant cutting-edge technology to improve border security and migration management through automated visa insurance and passport application processes and draw a strategic plan that aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeriaās initiatives on foreign direct investments and tourism that will attract improved funding.
āThe Service shall restructure and improve operations at the Divisions of Immigration Offices in all 774 local government areas in the country to strengthen intelligence and proactive engagement with border communities in Nigeria, and shall, in line with the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, engage in other processes, re-engineering and develop a strategic plan to promote professionalism, patriotism, discipline, and similar, service to people.
āThe Service shall continue to sustain the in-built motivation of staff as a priority objective, including training and capacity building for officers and men to enhance knowledge acquisition, and professionalism, and thus shall prioritize the need to have an enhanced pension package for retired officers. The Service will upon resolutions made, deploy proactive strategies and sustainable reforms to reposition the Service towards delivering on its statutory mandate and enhance national security.ā
However, the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, who declared the conference closed, commended the Service for organizing the conference, saying it ensured insightful discussions and valuable contributions that would positively impact the nationās border governance.
She said, āThroughout this conference, you have delved deep into the complexities of border security and immigration management in a world that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent. You have explored the challenges that Nigeria faces in safeguarding its borders, managing immigration flows, and addressing the diverse needs of migrants and refugees.
āYou have realized that existing modules in securing our borders are becoming obsolete, and it behooves us as progressive thinkers to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Our borders extend beyond land, sea, and air; hence, we must prepare for the new frontier of cyberspace. As a government built on the mandate to lead change, we must, therefore, build modules for tactical management of this digital border, ensuring our security and prosperity.
āIt is evident from deliberations in this conference that the task ahead is formidable, but not insurmountable. The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities that lie before us. By working together, sharing knowledge and best practices, and fostering collaboration across borders, we can enhance our capacity to manage migration effectively and ensure the security and well-being of our nation.
āI am confident that the ideas and solutions generated here will have a lasting impact on our efforts to build a more secure and inclusive society.ā
Peoplesmind
