Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has called on the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to invent new approaches to protect Nigerians, saying such innovations would check several acts of terrorism currently perpetuated in the country.
Emmanuel who made the appeal on Thursday in Uyo during a Stakeholders’ Sensitization programme on the Nigeria Visa Policy Document (NVP 2020) organised by the state command of the NIS, said a robust and proactive Immigration Service can be used to forestall terrorist attacks.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo at the occasion commended the snergy between security agencies in the state and urged the Service to take a cue from the Unites States, which have made their Immigration Service part of their Department of Homeland Affairs to prevent a repeat of the September 11, 2001 terrorists attack.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is a critical member of the Nigerian Security architecture. In most of the advanced world, it is part of the first line of national defence, given the critical role it plays in admitting visitors through various ports of entries in those nations.
“In today’s world of asymmetric security situations, the seemingly innocent visitor you may have admitted into your country may be part of a terrorist sleeper cell. Such a visitor may have been sent by his or her sponsors with the expressed and evil command to cause a breach of public peace through acts of terrorism.
“The need therefore, for the Immigration Service to meet regularly, explore new approaches of protecting the nation, and thinking, anticipating and disrupting such evil designs has become even more urgent and imperative.” He explained.
Addressing the sensitization meeting, the acting Comptroller-General (CG) of Immigration, Isah Idris, represented by the Owerri Zonal Coordinator, ACG Ejiogu, said the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP 2020) is an ambitious document that would transform the economy of the country.
” In the document, we have expanded Visa classes from mere six to 79 classes in three new categories of Short Visit Visa (28 classes), Temporary Residence Visa (36 classes) and Permanent Residence Visa (15 classes).
“The major highlight of the document is that we now have Visa classes for every conceivable purpose of travel unlike before when we issue only business or work Visa to anyone desirous of coming into the country.” Idris explained.
The CG who said that Akwa Ibom is rated the Second Best State in the attraction of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) rating after Lagos stressed that such could not have been possible without the enormous efforts of the state government.
He said there was however the need for increased collaboration for a more responsive and enduring security arrangement for the Blue Border areas of the state.
Akwa Ibom State Controller, George Didel in a remark bemoaned the high rate of human trafficking and crime of harvesting human parts in the state and pledged to redouble effort to tackle illegal migration in the state.
Didel also informed the public of an existence of ECOWAS passport which could enable them do businesses around West African Countries.
“A lot of people do not know of ECOWAS passport which could nelp you travel round West African Countries. It is most convenient to acquire because you can get in within few hours. You don’t have to wait for the standard Nigerian Passport which may take a minimum of three weeks for renewal and six weeks for new one.” He said.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has released the international passport it seized from a former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili.
NIS’ lawyer, Jimoh Adamu told a Federal High Court in Abuja that Odili’s daughter, Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, a serving judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), collected the passport for her father on December 20 last year at the Immigration headquarters in Abuja.
Adamu, in a motion, filed exhibited a letter of request by Odili and other evidence showing that he has received the passport.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, before whom the case came up on Monday, noted that the fresh motion was not yet before the court.
Earlier in October 2021, Justice Ekwo ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately release Odili’s international passport.
He declared the seizure by the service as illegal, unconstitutional, and an infringement of his fundamental rights.
The judge further ordered the service, to tender an apology to the former governor, and restrained the NIS from harassing and intimidating him from leaving the country or moving freely within the country.
A communique by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) suggests that there may be terrorist attacks in Abuja, the nation’s capital, between the 17th and 31st of December.
According to a statement signed by NIS’ Land Border Patrol Commander, Edirin Okoto, the service said it has received a report from the presidency with regards to attacks to be orchestrated by foreign terrorists.
These terrorists, the NIS commander noted, plan to enter Nigeria from Mali using the Niger Republic route.
The planned assault is purportedly being led by one Drahmane Ould Ali, aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national who is to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.
Okoto in his statement on behalf of the NIS noted that the duo is en route “Nigeria from Mali through Gao and the Niger Republic, riding a white Toyota Hilux van with Reg. No- AG157EKY.”
He added that these two had four Nigerian accomplices who are already embedded in the country.
Intelligence gathered by the NIS suggests that Ali holds an Algerian diplomatic passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.
Consequently, the NIS Commander, who wrote on behalf of the Comptroller General, said he has been directed to request an intensifying of alert levels at the borders.
All operatives in charge were urged to emplace necessary countermeasures at all the nation’s entry and exit points (Air, Land, Sea/Marine), including, but not limited to, surveillance, rigorous search on persons and vehicles, transhumance, to effectuate the immediate arrest of these terrorists as to countervail this and any terrorist attacks in Abuja.
The NIS’s warning comes a few weeks after the Department of State Services (DSS) raised an alarm over plans by terrorists to attack military bases in border towns across the country.
The secret agency also put the Nigeria Customs Service on red alert to avert the pending attacks by the insurgents on Ogun border communities and other border towns across the country, noting that the warning is based on intelligence it gathered.
In a leaked memo dated November 25, 2021, and addressed to the Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area Command, Abeokuta, the DSS advised customs and other security agencies in the country to put counter-measures in place to frustrate the plot by the insurgents.
According to the leaked document which was titled, ‘Plans By Insurgents To Launch Attacks On Military Bases In Various Border Communities,’ the planned attacks are to be carried out simultaneously on military posts and bases in various border communities across the nation.
The letter signed by the State Director of Security, Ogun State Command, M.B. Abdullahi, did not specify exactly when the attacks will take place but the indications were that it was imminent.
DSS further noted that in view of the foregoing and the likelihood, such attacks are not limited to the military personnel only.
The agency advised all law enforcement and security agencies with operational bases at border communities to take note of the threat and emplace countermeasures with emphasis on the personal security of operatives to frustrate the planned attack.
The Passport Control Officer in kogi state command of Nigeria Immigration Service, DC, Friday Agada has attributed the recent influx of international passports applicants to kogi state to shortage of financial passport booklets in the neighbouring states.
DC Agada made the clarifications while reacting to some allegations of fraud, favouratism and passport booklet hoarding, allegedly rocking Kogi State office of the Nigerian Immigration Service, (NIS).
He pointed out that “passport financial booklets are directly under my custody. My officers have no reason to hoard any booklets. The increase number of applicants within this period gave room for this challenges.”
The PCO acknowledged the high rate of revenue generation in kogi state command in recent time due to many applicants rushing to the state for the international passports adding that his office was able to realised over 48.5 million naira within eight months that I assumed office, ( Sept 2020 – April 2021).
Agada further disclosed that the minister has assured the ministry that in no distance time, shortage of financial passport booklet would be a thing of the past.
On the allegations of fraud and favouritism, Deputy Comptroller pointed out that monthly revenue collections are remitted to Federal Government’s account on monthly basis which according to him has improved tremendously in the state.
He further disclosed that thousands of passports produced for applicants are lying in office. It’s possible that new applicants may be on the same queue with old applicants who come to collect his/her passport. And when such an old applicant get inside and collect his/ her Passport, new applicants may regards such as favouritism.
“However, sometimes we give priority attention to some pressing issues. Issues like when one has health challenges and needed medical attention outside the country. We’ll give quick and adequate attention to such applicant to save life.”
DC, Agada therefore described all the allegations against his office as frivolous, baseless, Insane, derogatory adding “these people seems not to know the system of NIS, but a calculated attempt to dent my image and disdain the reputation of the Command.”
On his achievements within this short period in office, DC Agada stressed, “I run an open door administration, and have adopted a mode of operation not to give express approval to any applicant, irrespective of one’s status in the society and applicants’ documents are thoroughly cross checked to avoid embarrassment at international airports.”
“We have many sections in the passport control department. When I came on board, I introduced alternation to create room for officers to have knowledge of the process in all the sections. while some officers kicked against the rotational system, others supported and they are all enjoying the system now.”
“I also put a full stop to manipulations, shortcut practices, and that everybody must follow due process, first come – first serve. Those who are not ready to adhere to all these are those laying flimsy excuses and adopting blame-Game syndrome”.
He therefore advised passport applicants to stop patronizing touts that are roaming around the premises of passport control department to avoid manipulations and shortchange.
The President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has commissioned the new state-of-the-art Technology Building, Data Command, Communication and Control Centre of the Nigeria immigration Service in Abuja. This ultra-modern complex is the most technology-driven, digital and automated building the Nigeria Immigration Service has ever had since its establishment in 1958.
The contract for the project was awarded to the country’s most reliable and generally preferred engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on 1st November 2018 for the first phase, and the second phase was awarded on 14th December 2020.Both phases of the contract were, as usual and definitive of Julius Berger contracts, successfully executed and delivered for commissioning by the construction giant as contracted.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was virtually present to commission the building, in his speech at the Ceremony enjoined all security agencies to raise their performance in protecting lives and property, with a mandate that the country’s global security index must be improved. “It is imperative that our ranking in the Global Security Index improves and I am using this medium to call on all security agencies to step up their activities towards achieving this goal.
I assure you that the administration will give the much needed support to you in your operations,” he said. In his welcome address, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, MFR, welcomed the President to the commissioning of the Project and appreciated him for approving the construction and furnishing of the edifice.
The Comptroller General, Muhammad Babandede said: “For us in NIS, the unveiling of this building today, provides a unique platform for security agencies in the country to truly synergize and harmonize efforts under one roof to frontally address various national security concerns using the instrumentality of information and communication technology.
The nature of the building and its robust IT infrastructure makes it a great investment and a huge contribution to global security, particularly with its effective connectivity to special platforms such as the INTERPOL and ICAO PKD/PKI data bases. Babandede added that: “…with this, both local and transnational criminal activities can be easily monitored and nipped in the bud.
Minister Of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Giving His Speech At The Commissioning Of The Nis Technology Building, Data Command, Communication And Control Centre In Abuja Recently.
Babandede also informed the gathering that: “…Just yesterday (i.e. Wednesday 3rd March, 2021), the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved Security Data Intelligence contract which is a data consolidation, reconciliation and reporting solution. This solution and the PKD/PKl solution approved by FEC last month will make this centre gather information faster, optimise our collaboration, drive better-informed decision-making and ultimately help improve travel experience. We will like to assure the global community that holders of Nigerian passport can no longer travel with lost, stolen or a reissued passport. These information is now available to INTERPOL and ICAO member states. In the next few days. Nigerian can use their passport in any airport with e gate facilities throughout the world.” In his remarks the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola thanked the President for the signing of the contract and also congratulated the Nigerian Immigration Service for the completion of the building. The Minister also specially appreciated and extolled the contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for always doing a good job and delivering on time. “I want to thank Julius Berger for doing a great job and they always deliver, anyone here representing Julius Berger here should rise, a round of applause for Julius Berger and thank you for a job well done”, said the Minister.
Speaking with media correspondents at the event, the Executive Director, Administration, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, FNIOB, who represented the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, said,“I am standing in for our Managing Director who earnestly craved to be present on this occasion but who is unavoidably absent. He, however, sends his best wishes and regards to you all.”
The Newly Commissioned Nigeria Immigration Service Technology Building, Data Command, Communication And Control Centre
Bayi, who celebrated Julius Berger’s accomplishment of the project, said: “In exhibition of the usual speed, quality assurances and other attributes of excellence, which is a hallmark of this reputable company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has lived up to expectations by keeping to our obligations and promise in accordance with the contract, delivering a world class infrastructure despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic”. Zubairu Bayiadded that: “ …this is in line with our usual work ethics, moral obligations and commitments towards completion of projects as a core principle from which not even the slightest deviation is accepted”
Bayi noted and expressed Julius Berger’s appreciation for the efforts of men and women of the Nigeria Immigration Serviceably led by the Comptroller-General; the project consultants, Artec Practice Limited led by Architect Popoola; and the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc project implementation team.
L-R: MINISTER OF INFORMATION, LAI MOHAMMED; MINISTER OF INTERIOR, RAUF AREGBESOLA;COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE, MUHAMMAD BABANDEDE MFR AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE NEW NIS TECHNOLOGY BUILDING, DATA COMMAND, COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL CENTRE IN ABUJA RECENTLY.
Bayi thanked His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his leading and patriotic commitment to the construction of strong, functional and lasting infrastructural facilities for Nigeria, including the NIS Technology Building. Alhaji Bayi also thanked the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his unflinching and very productive support throughout the duration of the project.
A brief documentary of the Building was then shown to the guests for their viewing and to understand what the Technology Building, Data Command, Communication and Control Centre was all about. The building has a gross floor area of 3600 square meters. It is a reinforced concrete structure. The distinguishing features include double skin wall, energy saving lighting fittings, air-conditioning equipment, fire strategy consideration and top-notch passive ICT components and electronic passport management system dashboard. It was a grand and beautiful occasion with the NIS Band thrilling the guests and audience.
Dignitaries in attendance at the commissioning ceremony included: the Chairman House Committee on Interior, Hon. Nazir Zango Daura; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (CCIE) who represented the honourable Minister for Communication, Isa Ali Pantani; Minister of Women Affairs, Paulen Talen; the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior, Mr. Ademola Adeyinka: the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore; representatives from FRSC, Nigeria Correctional Centre, Civil defence Corps, and seniors officers of NIS among others.
She tweeted, “I’ve been told by Immigration that my passport is ready for collection from 4 pm today. I’ve respectfully informed them I’ll be there on Monday to pick it up. Since today is Friday, I asked for an earlier time but was told it will only be ready from 4 pm today, Friday.”
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned personnel to avoid extortion and other acts capable of tarnishing its image.
The Comptroller-General (CG), Muhammad Babandede, gave the warning in a statement signed by NIS Public Relations Officer, James Sunday.
The CG spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the service parade for the month of October.
He said officers and men must not be complicit in harassment of citizens or looting.
Babandede urged them to respect those who travel across the borders and ensure that no one is extorted for any reason.
He reiterated that border crossing is not subject to fee collection, apart from those that must be paid only online such as Visa on Arrival.
The CG added that such processes must pass through the international airports while that of border crossing for ECOWAS members still remains in the local wings of airports.
“ECOWAS member states are ECOWAS citizens, they have visa abolition exemption. They are not to be subjected to any payment while crossing the border with valid travel documents and through recognised entry points whenever borders are opened by government.
“The service also will witness facelift by alignment and harmonisation of ranks of its personnel, due to the removal of dichotomy between HND and degree holders, which we view as a relief as advocates of skillful personnel against unskilled”, he said.
The CG announced that many of the officers in inspectorate cadre will wear a new rank, commensurate to their grades.
He assured that acrimonies and rancour associated with dichotomy will soon be a thing of the past.
The Immigration Service (NIS) has developed a customised face mask for operatives of the service in order to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
The Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, confirmed this in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPEO) Mr Sunday James on Friday in Abuja.
Babandede recalled that the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Mr Boss Mustapha had directed mass production of face mask using the local fabrics following prescribed standard and size to curtail the spread.
He noted that Kwara state command came up with the initiative, which was welcomed by the Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede.
“The CGI is appreciative of the various strides taken by the Officers and men all over the federation as they work at the frontline of the nation’s entry and exit points.
“The operatives have been working to ensure total compliance with the Federal Government directives.
The CGI congratulated the Kwara State Command Comptroller, Mrs Judith Onyeamena, for initiating the production of face mask with customized local service color fabrics. (NAN)
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for introducing the Electronic-Passport (E-Passport) with 10-year validity, saying it will enable Nigerians acquire long-term visas. Speaking during the roll-out of the enhanced E-Passport in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike also lauded the Immigration Service for the improved security features on the new passport. He said: “Let me thank the Nigeria Immigration Service for their giant strides in the area of the Electronic Passport. It will help towards security and other trends.
“The Introduction of E-Passport is indeed commendable because of its improved security features and other key features of the passport. “The extension of the validity period is also important as it will allow holders to access lengthy visas. The 10year passport affords most people the opportunity to have longer visas.” The Governor noted that the requirement that all those seeking to obtain the International Passport must have National Identity Number is key.
“The integration with the national identity number is very important. It is an innovation which is encouraging,” he said. He commended the Comptroller-General for taking Port Harcourt first in the commencement of the issuance of E-Passport in the South-South and South-East. Governor Wike, however, said that the requirement that Nigerians must supply their BVN before obtaining the E-Passport is not necessary. He said: “I was surprised yesterday when I was told to bring my Bank Verification Number (BVN). Assuming I have a child, who is one year old and I want to travel with my child, are you telling me that my child cannot travel, perhaps because he does not have a bank account?
“I told them, you have my salary account, go and check my BVN. I don’t know how the BVN has become a factor in the issuance of international passport. That is not acceptable. If this is the only way that we can check corruption, then we have failed. “As a Governor, you know my salary, you know my account and this can be collected from the Code of Conduct Bureau. It is not hidden.
” The Governor advised Federal Agencies to stop depending on state governments for their operations. “Federal Agencies should stop depending fully on State Governments for their operations. The responsibility is too enormous. “Today, you have asked. The police will ask, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency will ask, the Army will ask and other Federal Agencies will also ask. How are we going to survive?”he said.
He appealed to Rivers people to take advantage of the facility to obtain their International Passports. He said: “I want to thank you for this innovation. I know that since you launched it here, I should also do something good, but not today. “I urge our people to take advantage of this facility to ensure you come to get your International passport. Also, go and register for your National Identity card, it us very important.
” Earlier, the Rivers State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Segun Adegoke said that the essence of the E-Passport is to reposition and improve the passport issuance regime and tailor it towards the best global practice. He said the new regime now offers the options of five years and 10 years validity to save bonafide Nigerians from frequent visits to replace their passports. Passport Officer, Rivers State Command, AJ Umoh said that the new E-Passport has new security features like multi-laser image, pre-printed features, UV light, infrared, laser engraving and is International civil aviation organization. Highpoint of the event was the capturing and presentation of the new E-Passport to the Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike.
