The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has articulated a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing internal security within Nigeria.
This strategy emphasizes the importance of identity management, border security, visa processing, and document authentication as key components to achieve this goal.
Tunji-Ojo made this announcement while receiving the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, in his office in Abuja.
He added that the Ministry is decentralizing the identity management process to make it more accessible and efficient, especially for people in rural areas.
“In terms of border security, we have made significant progress in covering 60% of the land border with its e-border solution and are working on automating the remaining,” he said.
The Minister also noted that the Ministry is introducing an e-visa system to make visa processing more seamless and user-friendly, especially for short-stay visitors.
“The system will allow people to apply for visas online and receive them via email, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or application centres,” the Minister remarked.
The Ministry has announced the development of a Centralized Citizen’s Integrity and Document Authentication System (CCIDAS).
This system aims to provide a unified platform for the verification of documents originating from Nigeria. The implementation of CCIDAS is anticipated to enhance the fight against document fraud and facilitate the authentication of Nigerian documents by foreign nations.
In his earlier remarks, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, underscored the importance of strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the European Union. He highlighted the necessity of enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including peace, security, defense, and migration.
Ambassador Mignot stated that the commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between representatives of the European Union and the President of Nigeria, during which the significance of a robust and reliable partnership between the two entities was underscored.
He assured that the European Union (EU) and Nigeria are set to take their partnership to the next level.
“The EU recognizes the immense potential of Nigeria and is eager to build on the existing relationship to create a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership,” Ambassador Mignot said.
He said with the world evolving at a rapid pace, the EU and Nigeria are more aware than ever of the need to work together to address common challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
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