The Comptroller General, of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has disclosed plans to inaugurate a more accessible e-Visa application channel for short visits in line with the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020.
She disclosed this when she delivered an address at the graduation ceremony of the 12th Command Course of the Immigration Command and Staff College, in Sokoto.
The high point of the event was the award of the “Passed Command Course” (PCC) to all participants while directing staff received the “Dagger Merit Award (+)” in recognition of their dedication and hard work.
In a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Kenneth Udo, on Tuesday in Abuja, Nandap who was represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) George Didel, said that the new channel was designed to streamline visa processes.
She added that it was to also bolster Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) as well as tourism.
“We must embrace these reforms and implement effective internal control and monitoring mechanisms. This is to track the presence and activities of all foreigners in Nigeria,” the CG said.
She, however, reiterated her commitment to full implementation of the e-Border Project.
This, she said, included the installation of e-Gates at international airports in Lagos and Abuja and the integration of the Advance Passenger Information System (API) “as well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) to enhance border control and clearance systems.”
“These centres are expected to significantly improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination to enhance national security,” the CG said.
Nandap who also expressed the need to revitalise NIS’s divisional offices, called for improved participation in security council meetings.
According to her, this would be at state and local government levels as well as other ad-hoc duties with utmost professionalism and interagency collaboration.
She urged formation heads to work passionately with a view to ensuring the success of the automation of Passport application processes, which was intended to reduce human interface, curtail sharp practices and enhance efficiency.
According to her, the ongoing rollout of enhanced e-Passports would continue both locally and at the foreign missions until the full transition was realised.
The CG urged all NIS formations to participate actively in the nationwide sensitisation campaign against irregular migration, especially the Smuggling of Migrants(SOM)
She, however, reiterated NIS’s commitment to capacity building for all Service cadres.
She also stressed the importance of engaging partners and stakeholders in sustaining training and capacity-building programs.
The CG promised to improve the welfare of NIS officers through timely promotions, affordable housing and health care schemes.
Nandap also called on the course participants to be agents of transformation and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
