The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has urged the strengthening of legal and operational frameworks to back its increasing use of technology in securing the nation’s borders and improving service delivery.
The call was made on Monday by the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, while delivering a keynote address at the maiden Law Week of the Service, organised by its Legal Unit in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Human Resource Management, Afolayan Ayeni, Nandap described the Law Week—the first in NIS history—as a milestone in institutional development, aimed at promoting professionalism and adherence to the rule of law in immigration operations.
She lauded the Legal Adviser and officers of the Legal Unit for initiating the programme and expressed confidence that it would support purpose-driven initiatives aligned with statutory provisions guiding the Service.
The theme of the event, “Leveraging Technology and Strengthening Legal-Operational Framework for a Secure and Efficient Immigration Service”, was described by Nandap as timely, reflecting the realities of modern border management.
Highlighting technological advancements, she noted improvements in the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), deployment of digital surveillance tools at border posts, installation of e-Gates at international airports, and implementation of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
“These innovations represent significant investments in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while ensuring efficient service delivery to both Nigerians and foreigners,” she said.
However, Nandap stressed that these gains must be supported by robust legal frameworks to ensure full compliance with the rule of law, operational guidelines, and international best practices. She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, highlighting the legal unit’s strategic role in guiding operations and shaping operational decisions.
“While technology has enhanced immigration operations, it has also created new vulnerabilities, particularly in cybersecurity and transnational crimes such as migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Addressing these threats requires updated laws, stronger legal-operational synergy, and continuous capacity building for officers,” she added.
She also assured that the Service would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to investigate, prosecute, and prevent cyber-enabled and cross-border crimes, describing the Law Week as a platform for institutional reflection and professional development.
In her welcome remarks, NIS Director of Legal Service, Oluwatoyin Yusuf, emphasised that immigration operations must adapt continuously to technological advancements and emerging global challenges. She noted that the legal services unit plays a crucial role in ensuring innovation is anchored on a sound legal framework promoting efficiency, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
Yusuf revealed that the Law Week will be institutionalised as an annual event to shape policy direction, promote best practices, and nurture a new generation of legally and technologically adept immigration officers.