The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has assured of improved border security, following its heavy investment in the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity from violation.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja, during the opening of the Inaugural Law Week of the Service; the first of its kind.
While highlighting the giant strides made in recent times in the areas of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), the deployment of digital surveillance tools at borders, the e- Gates deployed at our international Airports, Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR), the CGIS’ underscored the centrality of the rule of law in the execution of the organisation’s mandate.
Nandap, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Human Resources Management, Afolayan Ayeni, expressed optimism that the law week with the theme, “Leveraging Technology and Strengthening Legal-Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service,”, would usher in a new era of professionalism and excellence in service delivery.
She commended the Legal Unit of the Service for organising the maiden event, noting thus: “It is on record that this is the first of its kind.I commend the Legal Adviser and the entire unit for organizing this inaugural Law Week.
“I am confident that it will mark the beginning of a new era of excellence and enhanced professionalism by delivering purpose driven initiatives in conforming with the rule of law and extant statutory provisions of law in exercise of our duties”.
The immigration chief described the programme as timely, urging the Directorate to sustain collaboration with others, in a bid to achieve the mandate of the paramilitary agency.
Her words: “There is no doubt that so much resources have been invested to protect the territorial integrity of the Nigerian borders and efficient service delivery to Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.
“It is imperative that such giant strides made are in tandem with statutory provisions of the law, in compliance with the rule of law and all operations carried out are governed by standard guidelines and legal framework in line with best global practice.As we gather here today, we recognize the importance of the rule of law in our operations.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is to ensure that we provide secure and efficient services to the public while protecting our borders. The Legal unit has a vital role in this endeavour.
“The duty of the Legal unit is crucial in ensuring that our operations are guided by the principles of law and that we comply with relevant statutes and regulations. The synergy between the Legal Unit and other directorates is essential in achieving our objectives and statutory mandate.
“I therefore urge the Legal Unit to not only continue to diligently represent the Service in legal matters but to work assiduously with all directorates in achieving our goals of improved service delivery.Technology has transformed the way we operate. It has brought about new challenges particularly in the area of cyber security as well as its deployment for SOM and TIP. ”
“As we leverage technology to enhance our services, we must also be mindful of the risks associated with it. We must strengthen our legal-operational framework to address merging issues such as cyber-enabled crimes, smuggling of migrants, and trafficking in persons.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to combat these transnational crimes and ensure that our borders are secure.
“We will continue to build the capacity of our officers to investigate, prosecute and prevent these crimes.The Law Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on our strengths and weaknesses”, she added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of legal services (NIS), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Yusuf, emphasised that the initiative was a significant milestone in the institutional development of our Service and it is convened under the theme:
According to her: “This theme speaks directly to the realities of our time and the strategic position and mandate of the Service,we must continually adapt our legal and operational systems to match the pace of technological advancement and emerging global challenges.
“Our role as the Legal Services Unit is not only to interpret and apply the law, but also to ensure that innovation within the Service is firmly anchored on a sound legal framework that promotes efficiency, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law”.
