Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the country’s immigration system has entered a new phase of digital innovation, efficiency, and citizen-focused service delivery.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the passing-out parade of 689 cadets of the 50th Superintendent Basic Course at the Immigration Training School, Kano.
The minister was represented by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin.
Highlighting recent reforms, Tunji-Ojo said the government had introduced electronic gates at airports, digital landing and exit cards, a centralised passport production system, and real-time border surveillance.
He noted that these measures would boost national security, strengthen operational capacity, and improve public trust in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
“The uniform is a symbol of authority, use it to protect, not intimidate,” the minister told the graduating cadets, urging them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, praised President Bola Tinubu and the interior minister for their support in transforming the NIS into a technology-driven agency.
She outlined key initiatives including e-Border solutions, a Special Border Force, body cameras at airports, advanced passenger information systems, electronic expatriate residence permits, and a new eVisa channel.
“These reforms are designed to strengthen border governance, improve migration management, and enhance service delivery to both Nigerians and foreigners,” she said, calling on officers to demonstrate ICT competence and resist unethical practices.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Immigration Training School, Kano, Comptroller Idris Akande-Ozigi, said the cadets had completed six months of rigorous training to prepare them for national service.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Internal Security retired Air Vice-Marshal Ibrahim Umar, congratulated the cadets and pledged continued support to the training institution.
The event drew security chiefs, members of the Kano Emirate Council, families of cadets, and other dignitaries.
