Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Ekiti State Command, CIS Abdulrrasheed Kayode Ademola, fsi, pcc has urged Nigerians seeking greener pastures in foreign countries to obtain necessary traveling documents and pass through regular routes.
While explaining hazards faced by illegal migrants, the comptroller said many promising Nigerians died in Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, Saying many spend several months, even years in cells abroad while some were taken hostage by pirates who rob, maim and sometimes rape the female “japaists”.
The Ekiti State Comptoller made these revelations during the 60th years Anniversary of the corps in Ado Ekiti on Thursday with the theme: “Enhancing Seamless
Regular Migration”
According to CIS Abdulrrasheed, “in 2023, data from International Organisation for Migration (IOM) shows that at least 1200 Nigerians have died while trying to migrate through the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, for those who survive, the dream of reaching their desired destination quickly become a mirage”
The immigration Boss reiterated massive transformations in the service which have made their operations to Nigerians seamless. He said “It then suffice enough to say the Nigeria Immigration Service has achieved a lot within these years in different areas of operations ranging from issuance of travel documents such as (passport, visa and residence permit), border management, migration management, national security and several others”
Speaking on the topic, ‘The Impact of Nigeria Immigration Service in Enhancing Seamless Regular Migration’ RTD ACG Arogundade x-rayed steps taken at achieving seamless Regular migration to includes digitalization of the services of immigration.
ACG Arogundade stressed further that Online payment for services, introduction of E- Passport, Harmonized Arrival, Departure Cards, Effective Border Management, integration of NIS services with National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Migrant E Registration were innovations that have helped to curb sharp practices, ensure adequate security of migrants and documents, hasten delivery, seamlessly enhanced the operation of NIS.
While recommending more interventions in the service, ACG Arogundade called for installation of MIDAS at all seaports, training and re-training of personnel, the use of drones for surveillance, monitoring, prioritizing welfare of staff among others for better services.
The three Days Diamond Jubilee celebration started with ‘walk out exercise /sensitization on Tuesday, August lst, visit to Erelu Angela Orphanage Home, Iyin Ekiti on Wednesday where food items and toiletries were donated and novlety match was played.
The novelty match was between Nigeria Immigration Service and Correctional Service . At the end of the 60 minutes match, NIS won with 3 goals to 1. At the grand finale of the Programme, cultural troupe entertained the security men who were appreciative to God Almighty for witnessing 60 years celebration of the service.
Earlier, the Comptroller had commended the Acting Comptroller General, CGIS Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju fsi, pcc, who deemed it necessary to celebrate 60th Year Anniversary of the Service with funfair.
Present at the celebration were:Top officials of Road safety Corps, Police Force, Army, DSS, NOA, Peace corps and some retired Officers of the command who were honoured for their exceptional leadership.