Nigeria Immigration Service

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is a crucial government agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, charged with the responsibility of managing migration, securing the nation’s borders, and regulating the entry and exit of persons. It operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Interior.

History and Evolution:

The NIS traces its origins back to 1958 when it was carved out of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as the Immigration Department, headed by a Chief Federal Immigration Officer. It was formally established by an Act of Parliament on August 1, 1963. Over the years, it underwent significant structural reforms, and on October 1, 1992, its head’s designation changed from “Director of Immigration” to “Comptroller General of Immigration Service,” granting it a para-military status. The legal framework was further strengthened with the passage of the Immigration Act in 2015, which repealed the obsolete 1963 Act and introduced a new Migration Directorate.

Core Functions and Responsibilities:

The primary functions of the NIS include:

• Control of entry and departure: Regulating the movement of persons in and out of Nigeria.
• Issuance of travel documents: This includes Nigerian passports to bona fide Nigerians both within and outside the country, and other travel documents like the ECOWAS Travel Certificate.
• Issuance of residence permits: Granting permits to foreigners residing in Nigeria, such as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
• Border surveillance and patrol: Securing land, sea, and air borders to prevent irregular migration and enhance national security.
• Enforcement of immigration laws: Ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and prosecuting offenders.
• Migration Management: Overseeing all aspects of migration, including regular and irregular migration, and combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
• Data Management: Maintaining and producing information on persons entering and leaving the country, contributing to national security and socio-economic planning.

Structure and Presence:

The NIS is led by a Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS) and has a comprehensive structure comprising several directorates and specialized units designed to address modern migration challenges. It maintains a widespread presence with:

• Eight (8) Zonal offices across the nation.
• Thirty-six (36) State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
• Five (5) other special commands.
• Presence in 774 local government areas.
• Presence in 45 Nigerian Missions abroad.

Technological Advancements and Key Achievements:

The NIS has made significant strides in embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance its operations and service delivery. Notable achievements include:

• Introduction of Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in 1998.
• Implementation of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) in 2001.
• Pioneering online payment for its facilities, leading the way for e-revenue collection in Nigeria.
• Introduction of the e-Passport in 2007: Nigeria was the first country in Africa (and among the first globally) to launch an e-Passport, which incorporates biometric features to combat identity theft and multiple passport acquisitions. This innovation led to Nigeria’s admission to the ICAO Board as the sole African representative in 2009.
• Deployment of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS): Developed in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), MIDAS enhances border management by processing travelers more rapidly, providing statistical data on mobility patterns, and integrating with INTERPOL databases to detect individuals linked to transnational organized crime.
• Continuous efforts in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
• Strategic collaborations with other security agencies to bolster national security.

The Nigeria Immigration Service plays a vital role as the nation’s “gatekeeper,” contributing significantly to national security, economic growth, and the facilitation of lawful migration in line with international best practices.