By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Government has announced plans to leverage cutting-edge technologies to monitor and manage the nation’s land, maritime, and air borders as part of efforts to curb illegal migration and its associated challenges. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this declaration during a meeting with a delegation from the French Government, led by His Excellency Christophe Léonzi, the Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to combating illegal migration and highlighted the importance of cooperation with global partners to address this issue. Migration, he noted, is a natural phenomenon, and Nigeria is prepared to support bilateral efforts aimed at addressing the challenges it presents.
In a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, the minister underscored the significance of proactive strategies in tackling migration-related issues, particularly given Africa’s proximity to Europe. He stressed that investing efforts into proactive measures would be beneficial in mitigating the risks associated with illegal migration, given the ease with which individuals can access European countries compared to other regions like America or Asia.
The government’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies signals a proactive approach to border security and migration management, reflecting a recognition of the evolving nature of migration challenges and the need for innovative solutions to address them effectively.