FG reaffirms commitment to internal security, effective border control

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed that the top priority of the Interior Ministry under his watch is to ensure internal security and effective border control.

He made this statement while receiving the interim report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Integrated Border Governance, which conducted a rigorous assessment of Nigeria’s border security and management.

The Minister commended the committee for its diligent work and expressed his resolve to implement the recommendations to improve Nigeria’s border governance standards.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the critical importance of border security for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability, noting some of the longstanding challenges that have plagued the border centers. The Ministry strives to address these challenges by deploying innovative solutions.

“Border security is the cornerstone of any nation’s defense. We have to take border management security seriously and work with border communities to create a sense of awareness and collaboration,” the Minister reiterated.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Wednesday by Ozoya Imohimi, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, further assured the committee that the interim report would not be ignored but would serve as a guide for enhancing border governance in Nigeria.

He stressed the urgency of taking action based on the report’s findings and recommendations, promising to consult with relevant stakeholders to strengthen border security measures.

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Earlier, the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Dr. Peter Egbodo, Director of Joint Services at the Ministry, presented the interim report to the Minister, outlining the key observations and recommendations from the assessment.

The report proffered recommendations aimed at enhancing security measures and fortifying the nation’s borders, in line with the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.

It also proposes integrated cutting-edge surveillance technology, such as drones, satellite imagery, and advanced screening methods, to enhance the effectiveness of border control measures.

Members of the committee included senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Fire Service, the National Boundary Commission, the Border Community Development Agency, and the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.

The Committee visited five border posts in different regions of the country within a period of four months between October 13, 2023, and February 20, 2024.