FG partners IOM to strengthen border management

By Palma Ileye

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for the strengthening of collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, IOM, to enhance border security.

Tunji-Ojo in a press release issued by Ozoya Imohimi, Director, Information and Public Relations of the Interior Ministry made this call when the Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

He stressed the need for synergy saying, “We collectively have more grounds to cover and we will cover more grounds.”

He expressed satisfaction with the update on the progress made and commended the IOM on the collaboration with Nigeria Immigration Service, especially on the issue of Migration Information and Data Analysis System, MIDAS, which has made access to information and data quite seamless.

He emphasized the need to integrate the MIDAS solution and Interpol 24/7 which was very key to national security architecture and enhancement of border security.

While talking on the installation of E- gates at the Nigeria airports, the Minister reiterated that they were strictly for Nigerian passengers now and intended to make travelling a seamless experience and also intended to enhance National security.

“Our Officers, no matter how well trained they are, do not have detectors in their eyes, they can only work with the data and information available to them,” he said.

He disclosed that the Government was interested in opening the Nigeria space to make the visa application process easy for legitimate visitors.

“Nigeria will be open to business and tourism, and I think this will reduce illegal movement in and out of Nigeria,” the Minister said.

Recognizing the mutual benefit of the partnership, he added that, “Our doors are always open. This collaboration is the beginning of a better relationship that will lead to a peaceful and safer world, because Nigeria is part of the world.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck had earlier given an update on progress made on projects with the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He said IOM was always ready to provide support to the Ministry of Interior.