Nigeria Immigration Service modernization and training

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has focused on personnel development and technological modernization to address border security and migration challenges.

In mid-September, the agency graduated 1,626 officers from its Fourth Combined and Upgrading Course. During the ceremony, leadership emphasized that technology is a “critical enabler” for managing contemporary migration issues and instructed new officers to facilitate legitimate migration while preventing irregular movement.

By late September, the NIS announced plans to establish a Resource Centre to leverage the expertise of retirees for agency development. Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap reaffirmed that the service is undergoing a “technological transformation” to improve security, facilitate safe migration, and increase government revenue, while also pledging to address outstanding liabilities for retired personnel.

On September 26, retired senior officers, represented by the National Association of Retired Immigration Officers, advocated for increased funding, improved welfare, and greater institutional support. During their maiden Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Dr. Charles E. Okafor argued that the existing NIS structure should be reinforced before the government considers establishing a separate Border Guards organization, noting that the NIS already holds central responsibility for migration management and border security.

The association highlighted that the agency faces significant challenges, including cross-border crime, human trafficking, and document fraud, while noting that public perception often incorrectly limits the NIS role to passport issuance. Concurrently, the NIS held a valedictory session in Abuja to honor four senior officers retiring after 35 years of service, recognizing their contributions to ICT, cybersecurity, and border management.