…Says It Will Drive Smarter Migration, Stronger Border Security In Nigeria
Photo caption: At the flag-off of the Nationwide Sensitisation on the Validated NMP 2025, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service in attendance include: ACG M Adamu, psc, pcc, Zonal Coordinator; CIS Ad Jimoh, pcc+, Idiroko Border Command; CIS Co Onajinrin, Lagos State Command; CIS Aa Adeyinka, Investigation & Compliance, Zone ‘A’; CIS Im Chonoko, Visa & Residency, Zone ‘A’; CIS Cc Uzoma, Murtala Mohammed International Command; CIS Clementina Ogbudu, psc, pcc, Lagos Seaport and Marine Command; DCI Ladi Bawa, Seme Border Command Representative; DCI , Lagos State Border Patrol Command Representative; and DCI Ik Onugha, Lagos Passport Command Representative.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it has taken a bold and decisive step to strengthen migration governance with the rollout of the Validated National Migration Policy,(NMP) 2025.
According to NIS, the policy reflects a strategic shift toward balancing national security with economic facilitation.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS), Kemi Nandap who was represented at the event by the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Mohammed Adamu., informed that
the event underscored the urgency of a forward-looking framework amid rising global migration complexities.
Adamu said that borders now serve a dual purpose as they not only protect against transnational crimes but will also enable trade and tourism to take place.
Adamu noted that as a result, Nigeria must maintain a delicate balance between security enforcement and ease of movement through sustained inter-agency synergy and collaboration.
He said that building on the 2015 framework, the Validated NMP 2025 introduced reforms that align with global standards, including commitments under the International Organization for Migration(IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO).
These reforms, he said position Nigeria to respond effectively to emerging migration realities while safeguarding national interests
Photo caption : Officers of the NIS in. attendance include: ACG M Adamu, psc, pcc, Zonal Coordinator; CIS Ad Jimoh, pcc+, Idiroko Border Command, CIS Co Onajinrin, Lagos State Command, CIS Aa Adeyinka, Investigation & Compliance, Zone ‘A’, CIS Im Chonoko, Visa & Residency, Zone ‘A’, CIS Cc Uzoma, Murtala Mohammed International Command; CIS Clementina Ogbudu, psc, pcc, Lagos Seaport and Marine Command, DCI Ladi Bawa, Seme Border Command Representative, DCI , Lagos State Border Patrol Command Representative, and DCI Ik Onugha, Lagos Passport Command representative at the flag-off of the Nationwide Sensitisation on the Validated NMP 2025.
He emphasised that migration remains a critical driver of development and international cooperation but that
evolving migration dynamics demand stronger institutional frameworks and technological innovation.
He highlighted that the Service has already introduced key initiatives.
These include : the e-Visa regime, Contactless Passport Application System, and the e-Border infrastructure.
Adamu pointed out that the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card reinforces regional mobility and identity management.
These initiatives, he noted collectively laid the groundwork for the Validated NMP 2025, ensuring that Nigeria’s migration system is not only modern but also resilient, describing the sensitisation programme as a timely intervention.
He said the initiative is aimed at deepening officers’ understanding of the policy for improved operational performance.
“This initiative is for our officers to understand migration policy better and enhance performance through capacity building,” Adamu said.
He said that facilitators from Abuja would equip personnel across commands with practical knowledge as this would ensure uniform application of migration procedures nationwide.
The scope of the Validated NMP 2025, Adamu explained is extensive as it covers border security challenges such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and terrorism.
He said it also provides guidance on detection, prevention, and prosecution.
He assured Nigerians that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, NIS Service remains committed to national security.
Adamu emphasised that continuous sensitisation plays a very critical role in achieving this goal.
Team Lead of the sensitisation programme, ACI Tope Arotiwa, SA-CGISon Special Duties, explained why the 2015 policy required urgent review.
She informed that only about 30 per cent of states were aware of the existence. of the policy.
She further explained that his gap limited the effectiveness of the policy and also lead to inconsistent application, adding that as migration patterns evolved, the old framework became inadequate for addressing emerging realities.
“The changing migration landscape and national security concerns made it necessary to review the policy,” he said.
The Validated NMP 2025 now addresses these gaps by strengthening awareness, coordination, and implementation mechanisms.
On building capacity for nationwide impact, Arotiowa stated that the sensitisation programme is a strategic capacity building effort.
Officers, he said are expected to internalise the policy and cascade the knowledge across their respective commands.
This approach, he said ensures that the impact of the Validated NMP 2025 extends beyond workshops into daily operations.
She pointed out that in addition, it also promotes professionalism and consistency in migration management.
Participants, she said would gain a clearer understanding of NIS’s roles and responsibilities and that This clarity is expected to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
Tackling Brain Drain and Migration Realities
The programme also addressed broader migration issues such as brain drain, brain waste, and brain gain. These trends, often linked to the “japa” phenomenon, continue to shape Nigeria’s migration landscape.
By incorporating these realities, the Validated NMP 2025 adopts a more holistic approach.
It recognises migration not only as a security issue but also as a socio-economic phenomenon.
This perspective aligns with global frameworks like the Global Compact for Migration.
It ensures that Nigeria’s policies remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected world.
Strengthening Collaboration and Governance
A key pillar of the Validated NMP 2025 is enhanced collaboration among government agencies. Migration management now requires coordinated efforts across security, economic, and social sectors.
The policy therefore promotes synergy between the Nigeria Immigration Service and other stakeholders. This includes law enforcement agencies, aviation authorities, and international partners.
Such collaboration is essential for addressing complex migration challenges. It also improves intelligence sharing and operational efficiency.
A Forward-Looking Migration Framework
The Validated NMP 2025 represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s migration governance journey. It builds on past frameworks while addressing present and future challenges.
The policy emphasises security, efficiency, and humanity. It also aligns with national priorities and international obligations.
However, its success will depend largely on implementation. Officers must remain committed, adaptable, and professional in applying its provisions.
With sustained sensitisation and collaboration, Nigeria is better positioned to build a migration system that supports development while safeguarding national security.
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