By Efe Onodjae

LAGOS— THE Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, said its revalidated National Migration Policy will tackle cases of human trafficking and smuggling.

Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, who spoke through the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone A, Ikeja in Lagos, ACG Mohamed Adamu, said the 2015 policy had become inadequate in the face of evolving migration patterns, shifting economic realities and growing national security concerns.

Nandap said: “Our borders serve the dual purpose of acting as the first line of defence against threats such as trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, terrorism and other transnational crimes, while also functioning as vital gateways for legitimate trade, investment and tourism.”

She disclosed that the Service had introduced several reforms to strengthen migration management, including the e-Visa regime, Contactless Passport Application System, e-Border Solution infrastructure, Passport Personalisation Centre, and the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, ENBIC.

She said: “The success of this policy will depend largely on its effective implementation. This requires the commitment, professionalism and adaptability of officers across all commands.”

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Adamu said the training reflected the Service’s renewed focus on strengthening border security and migration management.

He said: “It is aimed at helping our officers gain a deeper understanding of migration policy to enhance their performance. It is a form of capacity building, and we consider it a very positive development.

“It addresses issues such as smuggling, irregular migration and human trafficking, as well as how to detect and manage these activities and handle perpetrators.

“We have been carrying out extensive sensitisation efforts, especially through Comptrollers in border areas, who regularly organise awareness programmes involving all stakeholders, including border communities.

“We ensure that this information is not hidden. It is for the benefit of our country and all Nigerians, particularly in light of the current security situation.”