The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step in combating irregular migration and strengthening national security by deporting 828 illegal immigrants in 2024.
This move was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a media chat in Abuja.
According to the minister, the deported individuals were without legal means of identification.
This development is part of the government’s broader efforts to reform the country’s immigration system and modernize border operations.
The government has introduced several initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.
Nigerian passports have been integrated into the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory, facilitating seamless verification across the globe.
A centralised Visa Approval Centre has been established in Abuja to streamline visa processing and improve efficiency.
A new 8.3-petabyte data centre, the largest of its kind in Nigeria, has been constructed to enhance data management and security.
Solar-powered infrastructure has been introduced to ensure uninterrupted operations at immigration facilities nationwide.
A Command and Control Centre has been established to provide real-time monitoring of all land and air entry points across the country.
These initiatives are expected to significantly improve border security and help authorities swiftly detect and address any irregular migration activities.
The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts in combating human trafficking, with 137 victims intercepted in the last year.
In addition, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has made significant strides in passport issuance.
In 2023, the NIS successfully cleared a backlog of 200,000 passport applications within three weeks.
In 2024, a total of 1,836,533 passports were issued, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and reducing bureaucratic delays.
The government’s efforts to combat irregular migration and strengthen national security are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.