Insecurity: NIS begins foreigners’ e-registration in Ekiti

THE Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) has introduced electronic registration for Non-Nigerian resident in Ekiti State as part of measures to secure the nation’s territory and curtail illegal immigrants.

The State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Ifeoma Benedicta Dibia who spoke during the official launching of the exercise in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday noted that the exercise aside improving the security level, would help in getting a database for national planning in the country.

The Comptroller disclosed that the exercise would be for migrants ready to stay in the country for 90 days and above accordance with regulation 22 of immigration 2017.

She said the programme began on July 12, 2019, by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, would have a direct impact on social, economic and security aspects of the nation.

According to her, “It is free regardless of where the migrants came from. It is meant for all non-citizens of Nigeria above 18, including ECOWAS, who have resident or intend to stay in the country beyond 90 days in accordance with Regulation 24(1) of immigration regulation 2017. Those that are minors will be registered under their parents.

ALSO READ: 10 soldiers killed, nine injured in insurgents’ ambush

“Those that are exempted are, any citizen of Nigeria, persons enjoying diplomatic immunity and immigrant staying in Nigeria for less than 90 days.

“This exercise will enable the government to plan for the migrants, help the security architecture of the nation, to build updated and formidable database, as instrument for identification, ensure protection of migrants’ rights, and serve as source of information and intelligence for all security agencies, including International Police (Interpol).”

She said the programme began on July 12, 2019, by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, would have a direct impact on social, economic and security aspects of the nation.

The Comptroller said the government had given a six months amnesty to all regular and irregular immigrants in the country, which will lapse early next year, saying this exercise will validate and legalise their stay in the country.

She appealed to traditional rulers to help in sensitising foreigners in their domains so that they can be captured in the programme.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi while flagging off the exercise said the programme was necessary in order to secure the nation’s territory.

Fayemi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said the programme was part of the efforts to secure Nigeria’s territory.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanjo, the governor said, “Nigerian is a friendly nation to immigrants, but security is one of the major concerns of our nation. Identity management is very important for the safety of our nation because it will help to check illegal immigrants.

“With this policy, the rights of all the moving immigrants will also be protected, because they too must be part of those to secure the nation. The good database will help in coordination, monitoring and controlling of immigrants and their activities for adequate security of our nation. Apart from security, it is necessary for immigrants to be documented for national planning.”