NIS, IOM Collaborate For Better Border Governance In Nigeria

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria have reaffirmed commitment to strengthen institutional collaboration in promoting effective migration management and border governance in Nigeria.

This was reinforced at the NIS/IOM High-Level Strategic Engagement Meeting in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Strategic Collaboration for Effective Migration Management and Border Governance.

The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap in her Keynote Address, emphasized that the meeting represented a strategic opportunity to review the trajectory of NIS–IOM cooperation and chart a roadmap for deeper collaboration towards modernized and technology-driven Border Management.

She acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership and technical support, which have contributed immensely to institutional reforms, operational capacity enhancement, and the development of policy frameworks such as the National Border Management Strategy.

Also, speaking at the event, the Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Mr. Dimanche Sharon commended NIS for its visionary leadership and reform-driven approach to migration management and border governance.

He noted that the Service has become a regional reference point for digital transformation in Border Government through the deployment of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), e-Border solutions, enhanced identity management, and improved operational capacity in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

Mr Dimanshe Sharon further stressed that the engagement provides a platform to identify operational gaps, capacity needs, and areas for high-impact interventions in the next phase of the NIS–IOM partnership.

Goodwill messages from NIS-IOM Projects Donor Agencies including British High Commission, Consulate of Germany and Consulate of the Kingdom of Netherlands emphasized leveraging on the collaboration for effective migration management and improved border governance.

The two-day strategic engagement will feature high-level presentations and technical sessions on key thematic areas, aimed at producing actionable recommendations and a joint roadmap to guide future engagements between NIS and IOM.

The initiative is expected to also strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in Migration Management and Border Governance in West and Central Africa.

Nkiru Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji