Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has unveiled the National Border Management Strategy 2019-2023 to enhance national security.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Muhammad Babandede, who presented the document to stakeholders in the sector, in Abuja, said the project was funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Babandede said the strategy would also help in contributing to national economic development, reinforcing social harmony and ensuring migrants’ human rights and the protection of vulnerable migrants.
The Immigration boss explained that when the borders were safe, it would result into a safe nation, stressing that the document has addressed the issue of national security, border security and addressed border as a means of trade.
In his remark at the occasion, the Chairman House Committee on Interior, Nasir Daura, said his committee would ensure that the Nigeria Immigration Service is given the necessary support to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
He said the document would help to provide the requisite protection that could ensure the respect and dignity of human rights.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, noted that the effective implementation of the strategy depended on dynamic institutional framework and robust political backing.
Ahmed, who was represented by a staff of the project office (migration), Mr Ekom Umoren said the surge in transnational crimes, irregular migration, trafficking and other illicit activities would be tackled in line with national development goals as contained in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
The Nigeria Immigration Service National Boarder Management Strategy 2019 to 2023 articulates a renewed five-year vision and institutional approach to border management in Nigeria.
