The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that even the most advanced technology and border management systems cannot single-handedly eliminate the root factors driving irregular migration, human trafficking, and travel document fraud.
Speaking at the Migration Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Seminar held at the NIS Service Headquarters along Airport Road in Sauka, Abuja, Nandap stressed that border control measures must be complemented by public awareness, inter-agency collaboration, and active community engagement to protect prospective migrants from exploitation.
The event, held under the theme “Bridging the Information Gap: Promoting Informed, Safe and Regular Migration,” brought together representatives from government agencies, security institutions, international organisations, civil society, traditional institutions, and transport operators.
Delivering her opening address through Deputy Comptroller-General Franca Usiwoma Nwanneka (Directorate of Visa and Residency), the NIS chief highlighted that relying solely on physical or digital border barriers is insufficient to stop irregular migration flows.
”Preventing these risks requires more than border control,” Nandap stated. “It begins with equipping prospective migrants with accurate, timely, and reliable information to make informed decisions and pursue safe, lawful migration pathways.”
She noted that false promises, misinformation, and a lack of reliable guidance often push young Nigerians into hazardous journeys, human trafficking traps, and visa scams.
Moving beyond technical border governance, Nandap urged all participating institutions and societal leaders to transition from high-level conversations to tangible field intervention.
”I call on government agencies, security institutions, development partners, traditional and community leaders, civil society organizations, educational institutions, transport operators, and the media to move beyond seminar dialogue and take coordinated, practical action to combat misinformation, raise public awareness, and promote safe, informed, and lawful migration,” she added.
The seminar follows recent technology integrations by the Nigeria Immigration Service, including the linkage of the Border Management Information System (BMIS) with the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and AI-driven profiling tools.
However, NIS leadership reinforced that technological tools work best when communities and institutional partners actively counter human traffickers and fraudulent travel recruiters.
The one-day seminar concluded with technical working sessions and roundtable discussions aimed at formulating operational strategies and public enlightenment campaigns across vulnerable communities.
