The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the strengthening of synergy with the International Organization for Migration, IOM, to enhance border security.
The Minister made this call when the Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for collaboration, saying that the Nigerian government has more grounds to cover.
“We collectively have more grounds to cover and we will cover more grounds,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the update on the progress made, applauding the IOM on the partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service, particularly on the issue of Migration Information and Data Analysis System, MIDAS, which according to him, has made access to information and data quite seamless.
He emphasized the need to integrate the MIDAS solution and Interpol 24/7 which is very key to national security architecture and enhancement of border security.
Speaking on the installation of E-gates at Nigerian airports, the minister restated that they are strictly for Nigerian passengers, and are intended to make travelling a seamless experience.
He equally noted that the facility will enhance national security.
“Our officers, no matter how well trained they are, do not have detectors in their eyes, they can only work with the data and information available to them,” he said.
He disclosed that the government is interested in opening the Nigeria space to make visa application process easy for legitimate visitors.
Earlier, the Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, gave an update on progress made on projects with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
According to him, IOM is always ready to provide support to the Ministry of Interior.