The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made a substantial contribution to bolstering the nation’s border Security with the recent deployment of e-border solutions across over 80 crossing points nationwide. This was revealed by NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap during a visit to the NIS Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nandap pointed out that the deployment signified the start of the e-border project’s first phase, an essential step in modernizing Nigeria’s border surveillance and management. During her inspection of the e-border project at the Ogun State command, the comptroller general emphasized that the days of depending solely on traditional border monitoring techniques are gone.
Nandap noted that e-border Technology offers real-time, round-the-clock intelligence and monitoring, which helps the NIS better monitor and control border activity. The major objective is to cover as many crossing locations while utilizing technology to support officers on the field. According to Nandap, there are over 190 crossing points in Nigeria, and the NIS is dedicated to securing every one of them, including the unmanned regions that were frequently used for unauthorized crossings and irregular migration. Nandap said that by allowing the sharing of vital intelligence, the e-border system would make it easier to work with other security organizations.
Real-time data is gathered from surveillance devices.
This development follows an array of efforts by the NIS and the Nigerian government to improve border management. The country has experienced a number of border security-related issues over the years, such as smuggling, human trafficking, and the entry of criminal elements into the nation. In response, the government started by upgrading the immigration laws. This cutting-edge technology project is an essential aspect of Nigeria’s continuous attempts to improve its border control system and guarantee more efficient administration of the flow of products and persons into and out of the nation.
With its initial announcement in 2019, this project had delays mostly because of financial constraints, but received impetus in 2022 when the government collaborated with a Chinese company to implement the monitoring infrastructure. The system utilizes biometric data (facial recognition and fingerprints) in order to accurately identify people crossing borders and prevent illegal immigration and potential security risks. Real-time data gathered from surveillance devices is sent to a central command center for processing, allowing immigration agents to decide on possible security threats swiftly and intelligently. Additionally, the system sends out automated notifications regarding suspicious activity or those who have been marked as security risks.
Major land border points have been equipped with the system.
As of recently, the NIS has expedited the e-border solution’s adoption. The agency has declared that the e-border system has been successfully deployed at major land border points at Seme, Illela, and Mfum, as well as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja). Border locations in Nigeria’s northern regions—Katsina, Sokoto, and Borno—have also been equipped with e-border technology. It is expected that the e-border system’s implementation will help manage security issues, end illegal immigration, and curb Smuggling operations.
Furthermore, NIS has clarified that it is committed to expanding the system to include coverage of all major air, sea, and land entrance points into the nation. The objective is to provide effective border monitoring for Nigeria and a major decrease in illegal immigration. Recent information states that the e-border system currently covers more than half of Nigeria’s borders, and many crossing points have automated procedures and visuals in place. The project is anticipated to continue growing and shortly achieve full coverage in order to improve border control and increase security.
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Through the utilization of cutting-edge technology, biometric identification, and real-time monitoring, the NIS is better equipped to safeguard Nigeria’s borders, keeping an eye on immigration, and stopping illicit activities. The continuous development of this system is essential to guaranteeing the security and safety of Nigeria’s population and economy. The NIS is anticipated to work in tandem with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), in order to exchange intelligence and data obtained from the e-border system, as part of a larger security plan. With interagency coordination, Nigeria will be better equipped to protect its territorial integrity and fight cross-border crimes.