The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap ᵖᶜ ᵐᵐᶦˢ ᶠˢᵐⁿ ᶠˢᵖ, has outlined several key measures being implemented at the nation’s ports and borders to enhance security and curb illegal immigration.

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, held an International Roundtable on Policy and Government Reform themed  “Policy and Governance Reforms in Nigeria’s Immigration and Border Sector”on Thursday, April 23, at the Legend Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Lagos Airport, Ikeja.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Mohammed Adamu ᵖˢᶜ ᵖᶜᶜ delivered a paper titled  “The Role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Implementing Best Practices.”

He said border reforms are urgent and already being implemented nationwide under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Under the current leadership, over 18,000 personnel have been promoted to boost morale.

Border monitoring has transitioned from manual patrols to e-Border systems using sophisticated cameras at borders and airports, while e-Gate cards have replaced paper-based immigrant documentation at entry points.

The critical measures now active at ports and borders cover five areas: technology and surveillance upgrades, including e-Border masts, e-Visa and Contactless Passport systems, CCTV, and API/PNR for intelligence sharing; operational steps such as 24-hour patrols, four new border formations, routine dismantling of illegal checkpoints, and heightened surveillance at Seme Border; policy and personnel reforms covering a revised National Migration Policy, officer training, and deeper collaboration with Customs, Police, and the Navy; security and enforcement focused on travel document control, advanced maritime surveillance, and border community engagement; and anti-corruption efforts driven by digitization and strict enforcement of ethical codes. Together, these reforms aim to tighten border control and curb illegal immigration, smuggling, and terrorism.

Earlier in his welcome address, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce President Alhaji Sheriff Balogun reaffirmed the Chamber’s continued support and cooperation with the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure the new reforms are fully implemented across all national borders and airports. He also urged the United States Mission to sustain its assistance to the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Special Guest of Honour and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said effective border management determines a nation’s future. She commended President Tinubu, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and CG Kemi Nana Nandap for the seamless implementation of new reforms. She added that the ministry is modernizing all border and airport operations to block watchlisted persons from entering Nigeria, as the system flags them before travel and alerts security agencies.

To mention a few, other important guests present included His Excellency Mr. Salahaddine Abbas Ibrahim, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria and Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to Nigeria; Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, represented by Ms. Adesuwa O. Erediauwa; Dr. Ola Awakan, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; alongside other dignitaries, panelists, executives of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Zonal Coordinator, and various Comptrollers of Commands and Heads of Formations.Adding colour to the event, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce conferred Awards of Excellence on Comptroller-General Kemi Nanna Nandap and Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters received the Excellence in Cultural Innovation and Global Creative Industry Trailblazer Award.

In appreciation, ACG Mohammed Adamu, speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General, thanked the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce for the recognition.