morganabLE Politics/Governance
Nandap maintained that the significance of the development went beyond the volume of records available, stressing that timely access to accurate information was essential for effective border management
KaNo—
The Federal Government has introduced artificial intelligence-assisted monitoring tools and digital audit systems across the Nigeria Immigration Service to strengthen border security, track officers’ activities and improve accountability in immigration operations nationwide.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, disclosed this on Friday during the closing ceremony of a specialised training programme on the Border Control and Immigration Management System at the Immigration Headquarters in Abuja.
Nandap explained that the technology would enable authorities to detect suspicious migration patterns, monitor activities carried out by immigration personnel and eliminate gaps created by disconnected databases.
She said the digital audit system would ensure that every action performed by an officer could be reviewed, thereby promoting transparency and compliance with established operational procedures.
“Your access to this system is a position of trust, not a personal privilege. Every action you take in this system can be reviewed. Work as though it will be,” she warned.
According to her, the integration of the Border Control and Immigration Management System with the Migration Information and Data Analysis System has consolidated more than 15 million migration records into a coordinated information platform.
She explained that the integration would enable authorised officers to access relevant information on travellers’ identities, movements and potential security risks without relying on fragmented databases.
Nandap maintained that the significance of the development went beyond the volume of records available, stressing that timely access to accurate information was essential for effective border management.
“Fragmented records, isolated decisions, and outdated methods cannot meet these demands,” she said.
The immigration chief noted that modern migration management required interconnected information systems, adequately trained personnel and leadership capable of enforcing accountability.
She disclosed that the service was also deploying secure mobile devices to enable immigration officers to conduct verification exercises beyond conventional office terminals.
However, she cautioned personnel against compromising confidentiality and security standards while using mobile technology.
Nandap explained that artificial intelligence would assist officers by identifying unusual migration patterns and generating alerts requiring further investigation, rather than independently determining the outcome of immigration decisions.
She identified accuracy, integrity, judgement, readiness and accountability as five essential standards expected of the 87 officers who completed the specialised training.
Under the guidelines, officers are required to maintain accurate records, correct errors through approved procedures, protect access credentials and report suspicious activities through established channels.
She also directed supervisors to ensure proper deployment of personnel, regular maintenance of equipment and timely submission of operational reports.
The Comptroller-General stressed that the effectiveness of the technology would be assessed through improvements in border operations rather than the number of officers trained or devices distributed.
She listed accurate documentation, consistent verification procedures, prompt escalation of security alerts, reliable system availability and lawful treatment of travellers as indicators of success.
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the Federal Government had developed a 10-year technology roadmap aimed at transforming immigration administration and strengthening national security.
He said the government had established a data centre with a storage capacity exceeding eight petabytes, supported by a solar farm designed to enable off-grid operations.
According to him, the Centralised Interior Management System would integrate relevant information platforms across agencies under the Ministry of Interior, including correctional and fire service administration systems.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the initiative would also strengthen coordination with national identity management institutions and improve access to reliable information.
He argued that managing migration through analogue processes was no longer sustainable in a country with a population exceeding 200 million.
The minister expressed concern over official records reportedly indicating that approximately 40,000 foreign nationals were working in Nigeria, questioning whether existing databases adequately reflected the actual situation.
“When you do not have the data of those foreigners residing in your country, then how do you manage their affairs? And how do you monitor them?” he asked.
He cited the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States as an example of the dangers associated with inadequate intelligence coordination and disconnected information systems.
Tunji-Ojo maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was investing in technology to address such weaknesses and prevent avoidable security failures.
Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that Tinubu had approved lifetime salaries for retired Comptrollers-General and Deputy Comptrollers-General of Immigration as part of measures to improve personnel welfare.
He explained that the decision followed concerns over inadequate retirement benefits previously received by senior immigration officers.
“Previously, CGs had a pension of about N130,000; it was not encouraging. But what did the president do? He signed and approved salary for life for CGs and DCGs,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The minister also commended the President for addressing longstanding promotion backlogs across services under the Ministry of Interior.
According to him, no fewer than 50,000 personnel had benefited from promotions and new appointments within three years.
“It has never happened before, but Tinubu did it. He also increased the volume of recruitment, where we now have no fewer than 40,000 new recruits at once,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that the administration had implemented salary increases, hazard allowances and other welfare measures aimed at improving the working conditions of security personnel.
He urged immigration officers to reciprocate the government’s investments by demonstrating professionalism, discipline and commitment to public service.
The minister described the administration’s reforms as long-term investments intended to strengthen government institutions beyond the tenure of the current leadership.
He maintained that technological development, institutional reforms and improved personnel welfare were essential to building an immigration system capable of responding to emerging security challenges.
Tunji-Ojo further emphasised that the success of the reforms would ultimately depend on the willingness of officers to utilise available resources responsibly and deliver efficient services to Nigerians.
The government said the ongoing digital transformation would support more coordinated border surveillance, improve migration records and strengthen accountability across immigration operations nationwide.
