Immigration, IOM strengthen partnership on border governance

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have renewed their commitment to improving border governance and migration management in the country.

At a strategic meeting in Lagos themed “Strengthening Strategic Collaboration for Effective Migration Management and Border Governance,” senior officials from both organisations reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation, modernise border systems, and address emerging migration challenges.

NIS Zonal Coordinator, ACG E.L. Anugwa, described the long-standing relationship as a model partnership between a national agency and an international institution, praising IOM’s continued support in enhancing Nigeria’s border operations.

Representatives of key donor agencies — including the British High Commission, German Consulate, and Dutch Consulate — also stressed the importance of sustained partnerships in ensuring secure, efficient borders.

In her keynote address, NIS Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap said the meeting provided an opportunity to review progress and chart new areas for collaboration. She highlighted the need for advanced, technology-driven border systems and commended IOM’s support for institutional reforms, policy development, and operational capacity-building, especially through the National Border Management Strategy.

IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, applauded the NIS for its leadership in digital border governance within West and Central Africa. He noted that technologies such as MIDAS, e-border systems, and improved identity management tools have made Nigeria a regional reference point.

He added that the meeting would help identify operational gaps, capacity needs, and priority interventions for the next phase of joint work.

The two-day engagement includes high-level presentations and technical sessions aimed at producing actionable recommendations and a joint roadmap for future collaboration.

The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in migration management and border governance.