The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) vowed on Thursday to deepen collaboration on the Lagos waterways in a bid to curb illegal migration.
This was made known when the new Comptroller of Immigration Service in-charge of Lagos Seaports and Marine Command, CIS Joseph Olutayo Dada, paid a courtesy visit to the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah.
Speaking at the meeting, the Immigration boss observed that the Service would fare better in achieving its mandate with strategic partnership with the inland waterways regulator.
According to CIS Joseph Olutayo Dada, “We have some challenges on the waterways even though we conduct patrols. Collaborating with NIWA will guarantee stronger waterway operations.
We are not saying people shouldn’t migrate or ‘japa’ from Nigeria. Migration is part of life, and people have a right to seek greener pastures, but they must do it the right way. They have to get their passports, visas, and travel through the appropriate channels.”
The Immigration boss lamented that several Nigerian ladies have become victims of human trafficking for prostitution in their bid to seek greener pastures abroad.
CIS Olutayo Dada further explained that the Service would benefit greatly from collaboration with NIWA in the area of patrol boats and availability of life jackets.
On her part, the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, welcomed the idea of strategic collaborations with the NIS, stressing that both agencies are working for the common good of Nigeria and its citizens. “We expect this collaboration to prohibit illegal migration.
ALSO READ:NSCDC arrests three suspects with adulterated AGO in Akwa Ibom
Migration is part of life as you observed earlier; it fosters tourism, culture, and development. Nonetheless, we would assist the NIS in achieving their objective, which is to prevent illegal migration.
A lot of passengers board ferries from Marina jetty to Badagry and Port Novo. We don’t know their final destinations or verify their identity, but we are open to NIS partnership to carry out migration checks,” Engr. Braimah stated.
She added that NIWA could train Immigration officials on how to safely board vessels and also provide boats, life jackets, among other equipment when the Immigration Service makes such requests.
and then