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FG to save N300m annually from border management technology
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the transformative potential of revamped immigration and air travel systems during the commissioning of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Technology Innovation Complex, named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja.
The President, who charged Nigerians to embrace technology and change, added, “We believe that if we rejig our immigration and air travel, we will benefit tremendously from the opportunity it offers for ease of entry and exit. By 2025, we could have achieved 100 percent new passport regime,” he said.
The data complex, comprising a Command and Control Centre and an NIS data centre, also includes the ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, all located within the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja.
This initiative aims to enhance security and streamline operations within the immigration framework, reflecting Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance national security and streamline immigration processes, marking a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to integrating technology into public service.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This project embarked upon, by you, is a great accomplishment, as this state-of-the-art complex will help Nigeria harness technology to drive development.
“We acknowledge the passport is more of a security document than a travelling document and must be treated as such. So you, I quote you, and that’s what we are doing here today.
“What you have achieved has given this country a great reputation not just within ECOWAS, but amongst other comity of nations.”
He emphasised that the integration of security measures across air, land, and sea represents a fulfilment of a long-held dream.
The BATTIC comprises several key components aimed at modernising immigration operations. These include a Data Centre, a Command and Control Centre, a Visa Approval Centre, an ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, and a solar farm that will provide sustainable energy for its operations. President Tinubu noted, “Nigeria is harnessing technology to drive her processes. As a leader in Africa with over 200 million people, we must embrace innovation and knowledge-based opportunities to improve our systems for the benefit of all.”
He praised the NIS for its efforts in enhancing passport processing, which has significantly improved Nigeria’s international reputation. “What you have achieved on passports alone has given this country a great reputation,” he remarked.
The President emphasised unity among Nigerians. “We are all occupants of one building living in different rooms. It is our responsibility to ensure justice for our children,” he said.
Tinubu expressed pride in the progress made by the NIS and looked forward to witnessing the economic benefits and enhanced national security that BATTIC will bring.
As part of his vision for Nigeria’s future, President Tinubu reiterated the importance of collaboration among various government agencies and stakeholders.
He stated that BATTIC should provide a sustainable communication architecture linking relevant agencies through collaborative technology along a trusted information network.
The President also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership and dedication to improving immigration services. “I have heard your praises clearly,” he said. “But remember, you are serving Nigeria. Your achievements are not just personal milestones; they elevate our nation’s standing on the global stage.”
Tunji-Ojo, on his part, announced that Nigeria is projected to save over N300 million annually with the implementation of new surveillance technology at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
He emphasised that the country had been wasting billions each year due to inefficiencies in border management. “This advanced system will enhance cooperation among security agencies and provide a rapid response to security challenges,” he stated.
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“This project is not just about air borders; it encompasses land and sea borders as well,” Tunji-Ojo explained, highlighting the critical need for effective management of Nigeria’s porous borders.
He noted, “By October, we expect to complete the first phase of this border surveillance system, allowing us to monitor activities several kilometres away.”
He explained the initiative includes an ECOWAS travel document aimed at facilitating easier movement across member states and an automated visa regime that promises 48-hour approvals. “We are fully in charge of border governance, with over 200 borders under our watch,” he added.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of global partnerships enabled by this technology. “This technology affords us global integration where we can seamlessly collaborate with Interpol and other international security agencies,” he noted, underlining its role in enhancing Nigeria’s security framework.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to national security: “A secured border is a safe nation. This administration is determined to make Nigeria safe for all its citizens.” He expressed pride in the achievements made thus far and assured that the new systems would significantly improve border control and immigration management in Nigeria.
Comptroller-General of Immigration Service Kemi Nandap supported Tunji-Ojo’s remarks, stating that the new system will process passport data in about 20 seconds at major airports. “Within one week of installation, we flagged and apprehended 10 high-risk individuals attempting to enter the country,” she revealed. This rapid identification capability is a significant leap forward in national security.
“This initiative will help tourism, facilitate trade, and ensure that passports are approved within 48 hours, as well as help promote regional cooperation.”
Nandap revealed how 10 high-risk passengers were flagged and apprehended within the first week of the installation of the data system. She noted that the country stands to gain new confidence from airport users travelling to the country.
“Within one week of installation, 10 high-interest persons were flagged and arrested, who had wanted to sneak into the country to cause security breaches, using the technology.
“The Command and Control Centre will enhance passenger information management and national security.
“The centre is certified by relevant international organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to play a strong role in Nigeria’s efforts to manage immigration activities to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leader in efficient management of passenger migration data.”
The CG said the centre will store passport data, monitor migration patterns, and secure border crossings, entry, and exit. It will also enhance the monitoring of regular and irregular migration flows.
The development of data infrastructure will help Nigeria’s security management, create a digitally empowered future, secure the nation’s borders, and enhance the efficient management of passengers by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, in his goodwill message, said the project is a perfect example of what can be achieved with good inter-ministerial cooperation.
Keyamo noted that the project, which was earlier initiated about 18 years ago by previous governments, could not take off due to inter-ministerial conflicts.
“Before a flight arrives in this country, we already have all the data of the passengers on board, and we can screen for security purposes without actually involving the passengers.”
Keyamo, who also noted that the data command centre has been approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), said it will help the nation in managing passenger safety.
“The system, which is connected to five airports across Nigeria, makes the country the seventh nation out of the 54 African countries to implement the project.”
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on her part, described the project as a game changer for Nigerians in the diaspora, as many of them have begun to testify and commend Tinubu’s administration for the innovation that has made travelling easier for them.
