Customs Boss Expresses Commitment To E-border Project, Sets To Unveil User-Friendly e-Visa Channel

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service Kemi Nanna Nandap, has reiterated her commitment towards the full implementation of the e-Border Project.

This was contained in a statement by DCI KT UDO, the service public relations officer, on Monday.

The full implementation of the e-Border Project would includes the installation of e-Gates at international airports in Lagos and Abuja, and the integration of the Advance Passenger Information System (API) as well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) to enhance border control and clearance systems.

In her address delivered at the graduation ceremony of the 12th Command Course of the Immigration Command and Staff College, Sokoto, on Thursday, 6th June 2024, CGI Nandap, represented by Assistant Comptroller General George C. Didel, highlighted the upcoming commissioning of the Command and Control/Data Centres at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

These centres are expected to significantly improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination to enhance National Security.

CGI Nandap also announced plans to launch a more accessible e-Visa application channel for short visits in line with the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020.

“This new channel is designed to streamline visa processes, thereby fostering Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and boosting tourism.

“We must embrace these reforms and implement effective internal control and monitoring mechanisms to track the presence and activities of all foreigners in Nigeria,” she stated.

Emphasizing the need to revitalize NIS’s Divisional Offices, she called for improved participation in Security Council Meetings at State and Local Government levels, as well as other ad-hoc duties with utmost professionalism and interagency collaboration.

Additionally, Nandap charged Formation Heads to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the automation of Passport application processes, which is intended to reduce human interface, curtail sharp practices, and enhance efficiency.

She said that the ongoing rollout of enhanced e-Passports will continue both locally and at the foreign missions until full transition is achieved.

The CGI urged all NIS Formations to participate actively in the nationwide sensitization campaign against irregular migration especially Smuggling of Migrants.

Reiterating NIS’s commitment to capacity building for all Service cadres, CGI Nandap stressed the importance of engaging partners and stakeholders in sustaining training and capacity-building programs.

She further pledged to improve the welfare of NIS officers through timely promotions, affordable housing, and health care schemes.

The highlight of the event, was the award of the “Passed Command Course” (PCC) and to all participants, while directing staff received the “Dagger Merit Award (+)”, in recognition of their dedication and hard work. Nandap urged the course participants to be agents of transformation and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.