The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced its Law Week activities aimed at strengthening professionalism and improving effective service delivery across the Service.
Speaking at the inaugural Law Week organised by the Legal Department of the NIS in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, expressed confidence that the event would usher in a new era of excellence and enhanced professionalism within the Service.
She said the initiative would support purpose-driven operations anchored on the rule of law and existing statutory provisions guiding officers in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on the theme, “Leveraging Technology, Strengthening Legal Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service,” Nandap described it as timely and relevant to the Service’s mandate, considering recent technological advancements, particularly in the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS/NIGAS).
“The development of digital sovereign keys and borders, the ease with which they are deployed at the Rwanda International Airport, advanced passenger information (API), and passenger name records show that significant resources have been invested to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ensure safe service delivery to Nigerians and new Nigerians alike,” she noted.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Human Resource Management, Afulayo Ayeni, the Comptroller-General stressed the need for technological advancements to align strictly with statutory provisions and the rule of law.
He remarked that all operations of the Service must be governed by standard guidelines and a sound legal framework in line with global best practices.
“As we gather here today, we recognise the importance of the rule of law in our operations. The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
Our goal is to provide secure and efficient services to the public while protecting our borders. The Legal Unit has a vital role in this endeavour,” he said.
Nandap further stated that the Legal Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring that all operations are guided by legal principles and comply with relevant statutes and regulations. She added that synergy between the Legal Unit and other directorates is essential to achieving the Service’s statutory mandate.
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“It is essential in achieving our objectives and statutory mandates. I dare all legal units not only to continue to diligently represent the Service in legal matters but to work assiduously with all directorates in achieving our goal of improved service delivery,” she remarked.
The Comptroller-General noted that while technology has transformed the Service’s operations, it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in cybersecurity, smuggling of migrants (SOM), and trafficking in persons (TIP).
“We must strengthen our legal operational framework to address emerging issues such as cyber-enabled crimes, smuggling of migrants, and trafficking in persons.
The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to combat these transnational crimes and ensure that our borders are secured. We will continue to build the capacity of our officers to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes,” she reassured.
She added that Law Week provides an opportunity for reflection on institutional strengths and weaknesses, urging officers to fully utilise the capacity-building lectures and sensitisation programmes to enhance their knowledge and professional skills.