NIS seeks stronger laws for tech-driven border security

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has called for the strengthening of legal and operational frameworks to support the Service’s increasing deployment of technology in securing Nigeria’s borders and improving service delivery.

The Comptroller-General, NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, made the call on Monday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the maiden Law Week of the NIS organised by the Legal Unit of the Service.

Nandap, represented by Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Human Resource Management, Afolayan Ayeni, said the law week, the first in the history of the NIS, marked a significant milestone in institutional development.

She said it would lay the foundation for enhanced professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in immigration operations.

She commended the Legal Adviser and officers of the legal unit for initiating the programme, expressing confidence that it would promote purpose-driven initiatives that aligned with extant statutory provisions guiding the Service.

The NIS CG described the theme of the event, “Leveraging Technology and Strengthening Legal-Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service”, as timely, noting that it reflected the realities of modern border management.

She highlighted recent technological advances by the Service, including improvements in the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), deployment of digital surveillance tools at border posts.

Others she said were the installation of e-Gates at international airports, and the implementation of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.

According to her these innovations represent significant investments aimed at protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring efficient service delivery to both Nigerians and foreigners.

Nandap however, said that the gains recorded must be supported by robust legal frameworks to ensure full compliance with the rule of law, standard operational guidelines and international best practices.

The NIS boss reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability, saying the NIS must continue to balance border security with respect for legal processes and citizens’ rights.

She underscored the strategic role of the legal unit in guiding operations, ensuring statutory compliance and strengthening collaboration across directorates to achieve the Service’s mandate.

She urged the legal unit to work closely with all departments, not only in legal representation but also in shaping operational decisions that would improve service delivery.

“While technology has enhanced immigration operations, it has also created new vulnerabilities, particularly in cyber security and the facilitation of transnational crimes such as smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.

“Addressing these emerging threats requires updated laws, stronger legal-operational synergy and continuous capacity building for officers,” she said.

Nandap further assured that the Service would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to investigate, prosecute and prevent cyber-enabled and cross-border crimes.

She described the law week as a platform for institutional reflection, urging officers to leverage the training sessions and sensitisation programmes to strengthen their professional competence.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to a more secured, efficient and law-driven Immigration Service.

In her welcome remarks, NIS Director of Legal Service, Oluwatoyin Yusuf said that the theme reflected current realities and the evolving mandate of the Service.

Yusuf stressed that immigration operations must continuously adapt to technological advancements and emerging global challenges.

”The role of the legal services unit goes beyond interpretation and application of laws.

“It includes ensuring that innovation within the Service is firmly anchored on a sound legal framework that promotes efficiency, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law,” she said.

Yusuf emphasised the need for immigration officers to be equipped with up-to-date technological knowledge, sound judgment, and strong legal and ethical standards to effectively discharge their duties.

She described the law week as a vital platform for reflection, learning and professional engagement, adding that it would provide an opportunity to review existing legal frameworks, identify gaps and adopt best practices that would strengthen the Service.

She revealed that the legal services unit intended to institutionalise the law week as an annual event to help shape policy direction, promote best practices and nurture a new generation of legally and technologically astute immigration officers.