NECA Lauds Interior Ministry On AI-driven Immigration Monitoring System

The Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Interior for deploying an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven system to monitor travellers entering Nigeria and track visa overstays.

NECA said the initiative would strengthen the country’s homeland security architecture and modernise Nigeria’s migration management framework.

Speaking in Lagos, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the move as a significant step toward improving border governance, internal security coordination and institutional accountability among agencies under the ministry.

He said the introduction of advanced technological tools would enhance immigration monitoring and reinforce national security systems.

“The deployment of Artificial Intelligence to support immigration monitoring and track visa overstays is a commendable step that reflects a forward-looking approach to homeland security,” Oyerinde said.

According to him, the increasing complexity of global migration patterns and cross-border mobility makes the use of data-driven systems necessary to improve oversight, strengthen border management, and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

He noted that the use of integrated digital systems capable of analysing travel records and identifying immigration violations would improve regulatory enforcement and support more effective migration governance.

Oyerinde added that a modern immigration system must be supported by reliable data, intelligent monitoring platforms and strong coordination among relevant agencies.

He said the AI-enabled monitoring tools would strengthen institutions’ capacity to detect irregular migration, enforce visa compliance, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.

The NECA director general also said stronger migration management systems would help boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the international community.

He explained that countries with transparent, efficient and technology-driven border management systems are better positioned to attract legitimate business, international partnerships and responsible investment.

Oyerinde further acknowledged ongoing reform initiatives within agencies under the Ministry of Interior, particularly efforts to reposition the Nigeria Immigration Service as a technology-driven institution capable of supporting national security and facilitating legitimate international mobility.