Rauf Aregbesola
and Chief of Interior
Rauf Aregbesola
and Chief of Interior Services
Border Security: Aregbesola Directs Interior Agencies to
be Computer compliant
The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service
(NIS) to be on top of its game by putting in place a strict
implementation process of the Border Management Strategy that was
unveiled today in order to ensure border safety and security.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola gave
the directives when he declared open the Comptroller General
Management Retreat 2019 and launching of Border Management Strategy
Document held in Lagos.
He said that the Retreat was organised for the Management Cadre
Officers to brainstorm and fashion out means of implementing the
reforms being carried out by the Service in line with the President
Muhammadu Buhari Administration’s focus, which is Security, Economy
and Transparency (SET).
Aregbesola said further that the Retreat will provide the major
input in the development of several Strategic Document of NIS to
cover 2019 – 2023, adding that the officers and men of the Service
must act as moral agents and in the best interest of the country,
as it is only then that the efficient Border Security Management
would be achieved.
“The primary role of the Immigration Service is the Security of
the border and migration management. No unwanted , suspicious and
criminal person must be allowed entry into our nation just as we
are to prevent the exit from Nigeria of all known domestic real
felons and or domestic potential felons from leaving Nigeria to
tarnish our image abroad”, he said.
The Minister observed further that Technology and Transparency
remain paramount for efficient and effective Border Security
Management especially in the contemporary situation where crime and
criminality has assumed its complex status.
“All officers of the Service must as a matter of urgency,
embrace the digital tradition and be technology/computer compliant,
particularly at the senior and management level. Our officers must
shun all forms of corruption through openness and transparency in
the discharge of their duties”, Aregbesola said.
He called on participants at the Retreat to debate and agree on
the model and period it must take for a Nigerian to apply for and
obtain the passport from our system anywhere in the world as
swiftly as possible within the minimum human contact.
“Should there be justifiable delay in delivering on this
commitment, there must be a mechanism to communicate, such reasons
(s) within a period as agreed in the retreat to such applicant for
the passport which must not be later than 72 hours, after
discovering such reason.”
The Minister emphasized that with technology, Nigeria
Immigration Service must eliminate the tradition of endless wait
for obtaining the Nigerian Passport by Nigerians desirous of having
one.
“With technology, it is possible to process and obtain the passport
within 48 hours, if the application does not have any issues.
Nigerian passport should be available within 48 hours maximum after
application and at the official fee, the same goes for entry visa,
resident permit, seamen license, as well as application and
processing of other services”, he said.
Equally important, Aregbesola said, is for the Service to
develop a separate route for special people in our border stations
particularly at the arrival halls of international airports to
prevent the prevalent ugly and embarrassing incidents of people
jumping the queue at the immigration desks.
He called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to deliver on its
mandate to serve Nigeria with heart and might by taming all threats
to internal security thereby ensuring the safety of the
citizens.
“Our service must focus on supporting the Federal Government’s
drive on ease of doing business. On the flipside, no one should be
allowed into Nigeria who should not be within our borders”.
Stressing further, “I must let you know that the security
architecture of the nation is built on the network of individuals
like you. Don’t ever think that one person is inconsequential.
Every person in the immigration service is important. The whole is
the sum of the part. If one part is taken away, it cannot be whole
again”, he said.
While commending the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria
Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede for his efficiency
and pro-activeness to border issues, he reminded the officers and
men of the Service to see themselves as the face of Nigeria and the
pride of the Ministry.
Speaking earlier, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Muhammad
Babandede assured that the Service will key into the SET policy of
the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration through efficient
border security management so as to improve internal security,
rejuvenate the economy and entrench transparency in the System.
SIGNED
Mohammed Manga
Director (Press & Public Relations)
For: Permanent Secretary