By Vin Oliji, Abuja
In a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s defences against escalating cyber threats, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among affiliated agencies, technology specialists, and development partners.
This concerted effort is essential to safeguarding the nation’s digital identity systems, migration data, and critical data infrastructure.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, made the call during the launch of the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign of the NIS, themed “Securing Our World: Building a Cyber-Ready Nigeria Immigration Service.”
Declaring the campaign open on behalf of the Comptroller General, the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Works and Logistics, A.J. Umanah, warned that cybercrime has evolved into a national security threat capable of undermining governance, economic stability, and public trust.
“The rise of cyber threats in recent years has shown that cybersecurity is not just a technical concern. It is a national security issue, an economic priority, and a moral obligation to protect the trust of citizens,” Umanah said.
Umanah emphasized that the global escalation of cyber attacks targeting identity and migration data makes it imperative for Nigeria to build a cyber-ready immigration service capable of defending its digital assets and the personal information of millions of citizens.
She noted that the Immigration Service occupies a strategic position at the core of national identity management and border security, managing vast databases of personal, biometric, and travel information.
“Our databases hold critical information on the movement, identity, and statehood of millions of people. A single breach could have far-reaching consequences for national security, international relations, and citizen trust,” she cautioned.
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With the digitization of core operations such as e-Passport, e-Visa, and e-Border Management platforms, Umanah said cybersecurity now stands at the center of Nigeria’s sovereignty and border integrity.
She credited the establishment of the ICT and Cybersecurity Directorate, led by DCG Augusta Obianunu, with strengthening institutional readiness and placing digital defence at the heart of immigration management.
While commending the Service’s digital transformation, Umanah stressed that technology alone cannot ensure safety, emphasizing that the human factor remains the most effective line of defence.
“Every officer, regardless of rank or post, is a potential gatekeeper or a weak link—in the chain of security. Integrity in the digital domain is as important as integrity at the border post,” she said.
Umanah urged all NIS formations to mainstream cybersecurity awareness into their daily operations, audits, and staff briefings, and to ensure strict compliance with data protection and responsible digital conduct.
“Let this seminar not be a routine event, but a turning point. Cybersecurity is no longer an ICT issue; it is a collective operational mandate,” she added.
According to Umanah, the Service is implementing a five-point strategic plan to achieve a cyber-resilient system. The plan includes:
1.Strengthening internal cybersecurity governance and compliance mechanisms;
2.Building capacity through continuous ICT and operational training;
3.Deepening inter-agency collaboration with defence and security sectors;
4.Investing in secure digital infrastructure that meets international standards; and
5.Institutionalizing data protection and privacy compliance in line with national and global frameworks.
She stressed that cyber threats do not respect geographic or institutional boundaries, calling for a united front among government, academia, and the private sector.
“Together, we are building not just a smarter country, but a safer one,” she declared.
Sophistication of cyber attacks
Earlier, the head of the ICT and Cybersecurity Directorate, DCG Augusta Obianunu, underscored the growing sophistication of cyber attacks and the need for constant vigilance across all levels of government.
She noted that participants in the campaign would be equipped with practical skills in cyber hygiene, threat analysis, forensics, and digital ethics enabling officers to act as first responders in detecting and mitigating cyber risks.
“Cyber threats are growing every day. We must foster the culture of cyber vigilance and responsible data use across the Service,” Obianunu said.
The 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign forms part of Nigeria’s participation in the Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
It will feature workshops, simulations, and training sessions across NIS formations nationwide to strengthen national identity protection and promote digital resilience.