Ibom Focus
Nigeria Adopts Tech-Driven, Preventive Migration Strategy In Partnership With EU
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security, curbing irregular migration, and deepening international cooperation with the European Union.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance while receiving the Deputy Director, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Mr. Johannes Luchner, alongside the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and their delegation during a courtesy visit.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s resolve to transition from reactive migration management to a preventive, technology-driven approach. He noted that irregular migration poses risks to Nigeria’s national reputation and to partner countries, stressing that the Federal Government is fully committed to ensuring migration processes are regular, orderly, and lawful.
As part of ongoing reforms, the Minister said Nigeria has significantly strengthened border control across air, land, and maritime domains. Airport security has been enhanced through the deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), integration with the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), and other advanced platforms—representing the most substantial progress in border management in more than a decade.
He added that land border operations have also been reinforced, with presidential approval granted for the recruitment of approximately 10,000 additional personnel. Seven fully equipped border control posts, supported by solar power, water supply, and reliable connectivity, are currently operational, while plans are underway to establish seven more. Through the national e-border system, Nigeria now covers over 60 percent of its land borders, including several island territories.
Further highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to modern border governance, Dr. Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the government has constructed the country’s largest public-sector data center, boasting an 8.3-petabyte capacity and powered by an off-grid solar system. The facility supports a state-of-the-art command and control center for real-time surveillance and analysis. Aerial surveillance has also been expanded, alongside the deployment of approximately 55 high-intensity patrol vehicles nationwide.
Recognizing Nigeria’s role as both a destination and transit hub within the ECOWAS region, the Minister noted that the government has ensured the availability and recognition of the ECOWAS biometric identity card to strengthen traveler identification. He also announced the introduction of the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), a secure, biometric-verified digital platform that enables citizens with lost or expired passports to return home.
Earlier, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap, briefed the delegation on intensified screening measures that have contributed to a noticeable reduction in irregular migration. She explained that the measures target risks associated with human smuggling and trafficking, particularly among vulnerable travelers lacking clear travel purposes or adequate documentation.
In his remarks, Mr. Johannes Luchner commended Nigeria’s progress, noting a measurable decline in irregular arrivals from Nigeria into the European Union. He described Nigeria as one of the EU’s most important partners in Africa and expressed confidence that the balanced partnership framework would receive positive consideration by EU member states and the European Parliament.
Mr. Luchner also highlighted opportunities to deepen operational cooperation with Europol, Frontex, and other EU agencies, particularly in the fight against human smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate, Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the partnership as enduring and mutually beneficial. He noted that a stable Nigeria contributes to a stable European Union, just as a stable EU supports Nigeria’s security and development, adding that both sides must continue building stronger political and economic ties for the future.
