NIS Unveils New Migration Policy To Tighten Border Security

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said that, with the newly validated National Migration Policy, 2025, it would ensure stiffer border governance and enhanced national security in its operations.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated this at the launch of the nationwide sensitisation campaign on the 2025 National Migration Policy in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The event, themed “enhancing awareness for effective migration management and border governance,” was held at the service headquarters in Jalingo.

The nationwide campaign is expected to deepen inter-agency collaboration and position Nigeria to better manage migration flows while protecting national interests.

According to the CGI, the flag-off not only signalled a major shift in its operations but also underscored the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s migration architecture amid rising global threats, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and terrorism.

Mrs Nandap, who was represented by the state Controller of Immigration Service, Adamu Duguri, said the updated policy provides a more robust and coordinated framework to safeguard the country’s borders, while facilitating legitimate movement for trade, tourism, and investment.

“The evolving dynamics of migration require a forward-looking and integrated approach. Our borders must remain secure against threats, while still serving as gateways for lawful economic activities”, she stated.

The Immigration boss disclosed that the Service has already rolled out a series of technology-driven reforms to support the new policy direction.

“These include the e-Visa regime, Contactless Passport Application System, e-Border infrastructure, Passport Personalisation Centre, and the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).”

He explained that the initiatives are designed to modernise migration management, improve efficiency, and enhance surveillance capabilities across Nigeria’s borders.

The Comptroller-General noted that, while the 2015 National Migration Policy laid the groundwork for orderly migration, the 2025 version responds to emerging realities and aligns Nigeria with global standards, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).

She, however, stressed that the effectiveness of the new framework would depend on disciplined implementation by immigration personnel nationwide.

“This policy will only succeed through the professionalism, commitment, and adaptability of our officers. Their understanding and application of its provisions are critical,” he said.

Mrs Nandap, who described the exercise as a strategic effort to strengthen the service operational capacity, urged participants to internalise the policy and translate it into improved service delivery.

The NIS boss, then, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to building a migration system that is secure, efficient, and humane, in line with the country’s development priorities.