Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, provided an update on the e-border project, stating that the automated management project for Nigerian borders has reached the 60% completion mark. This announcement came following Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s inspection of both the e-border management center and the Command and Control Center for electronic gates at airports in Abuja. He stated that the e-border project is near its final stages, with the E-Gates Command and Control Centre fully completed and ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.
This project is aimed at enhancing internal Security and improving the entry process for Nigerian citizens. According to the Minister, approximately 60% of the initial phase of the e-border management system has been finished. Following an inspection, the Minister emphasized that the e-border solution is designed not only for air and airport borders, but also for land borders which are often considered less secure. Our current focus is on implementing automated surveillance throughout our border area, ensuring real-time monitoring, he added.
Enhancing border surveillance with advanced tech systems.
By October, Phase 1 of the comprehensive border surveillance system will have been completed , allowing us to monitor and observe areas several kilometres away from the border in advance of individuals entering Nigeria. Additionally, a communication solution will be available for people in border regions to directly alert authorities in case of emergencies. Reporting issues allows for quick action to be taken in order to ensure the safety and security of our borders. It is important to prioritize the safety and engagement of our borders, as a secure border ultimately leads to a secure country.
To ensure the safety of our nation, it is crucial to fortify our border, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to achieving this objective of creating a secure environment in Nigeria where people can rest peacefully, he said. The Federal Executive Council, had in 2019, allocated ₦52 billion for the acquisition of e-border surveillance systems, demonstrating the government’s dedication to enhancing border security. This e-border initiative aimed to enhance border surveillance by utilizing advanced technological systems.
Surveillance cameras will be installed at 84 border locations.
The commencement of the project was delayed until 2022. While announcing the commencement of the project in the second quarter (Q2) of the year, Alhaji Isah Idris, the Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), revealed that the government had signed an agreement with a Chinese Company to install surveillance cameras at 84 border locations. The Interior Ministry attributed the delay of the project to insufficient funds. Once completed, the system will be able to monitor and deliver real-time information from key border points across the country.
These cutting-edge E-verification gates play a vital role in the E-Immigration project, which aims to streamline immigration procedures at airports throughout Nigeria. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has highlighted the importance of these e-gates in minimizing wait times for travellers arriving at the airports. He said the e-gates will revolutionize airport processing with a speedy clearance time of only 30 seconds per person, which will rival international standards. This Investment will boost National Security by implementing extra scrutiny for incoming travellers, thus creating a transformative impact.
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Leveraging high-tech biometric scanning and automatic alert systems, the e-gates will quickly detect individuals who are of concern or are on monitoring lists, thereby strengthening the Nigeria Immigration Service’s border protection initiatives. The project is designed to install a combined total of 40 E-verification gates in various airports by the end of the first quarter. Abuja will have 10 e-gates installed, while Lagos will have 17. Kano will have five gates, and Enugu and Port-Harcourt will each have four gates. With the introduction of these innovative measures, Nigeria is poised to improve border security, simplify immigration procedures, and offer travellers a safer and more efficient journey.
