The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the recent apprehension of 10 individuals on Interpol’s watch list as they attempted to enter the country. This success highlights the impact of the newly unveiled Technology Innovation Complex at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja, designed to bolster national security and streamline border management.
A State-of-the-Art Facility for Border Management
President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Technology Innovation Complex at the NIS headquarters in Sauka, Abuja. The complex includes cutting-edge features such as the Command and Control Centre for regular migration, the NIS Data Centre, an ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre, and a solar-powered energy system.
During the launch, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, underscored the importance of the facility in transforming Nigeria’s border security framework. He highlighted its capability to assess risk levels of incoming individuals, detect irregular migration, and monitor unmanned borders in remote areas.
“In the last couple of days, there were 10 people who were on the Interpol and immigration wanted list apprehended within a week,” Tunji-Ojo revealed. “Before now, those people would have entered Nigeria and caused terror. Under the new leadership, Nigeria is a no-go area for any criminal element.”
Around-the-Clock Surveillance and Renewable Energy Integration
The facility is powered by a 0.5KW solar energy system to ensure uninterrupted operation. Additionally, the government has deployed 250 trained officers who work in eight-hour shifts to maintain 24/7 surveillance over Nigeria’s borders.
“We decided on an end-to-end solution that integrates an energy system with the surveillance infrastructure,” Tunji-Ojo explained. “This ensures that the facility is always operational, supported by trained personnel who monitor our borders round the clock.”
This combination of technology and human resources represents a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s ability to secure its borders and prevent unauthorized entry.
Economic and Operational Benefits
Tunji-Ojo noted that the new facility would lead to significant cost savings for the country, estimating an annual reduction of over ₦300 million in operational expenses.
“Nigeria was wasting billions every year. With this state-of-the-art technology, we will now save over ₦300 million annually,” he stated.
The implementation of an automated visa system with 48-hour approval timelines is another landmark achievement of the project. The system simplifies travel processes for ECOWAS citizens and strengthens border governance across more than 200 official border points.
“We now have an ECOWAS travel document that facilitates easy movement and travel. For the first time, Nigeria is fully in charge of border governance,” Tunji-Ojo added.
Enhanced Interagency Collaboration
The Minister also highlighted the integration of information sharing among security agencies, citing a recent example during flooding in Maiduguri where critical information was shared in under three hours.
The facility’s ability to unify and expedite communication between agencies is expected to enhance Nigeria’s overall security framework, allowing for faster responses to emergencies and threats.
Key Components of the Complex
The Technology Innovation Complex includes several advanced features:
- Command and Control Centre: Centralized oversight of regular migration and border activities.
- NIS Data Centre: Secure storage and processing of immigration data.
- ECOWAS Biometric Card Production Centre: Facilitates seamless travel within the ECOWAS region.
- Automated Visa Regime: Streamlines visa approvals within 48 hours.
- Solar Farm: A 0.5KW renewable energy system to power the complex.
- Round-the-Clock Surveillance: Operated by 250 trained officers in 24/7 shifts.
National and Regional Security Impact
The apprehension of 10 individuals on Interpol’s watch list underscores the effectiveness of the new technology. These arrests demonstrate the system’s ability to identify high-risk individuals before they can enter the country and potentially cause harm.
By leveraging modern technology, Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional leader in border security and governance. The ECOWAS Biometric Card and automated visa systems further strengthen Nigeria’s integration within the West African community while ensuring that border controls remain robust.
Recognition and Forward Momentum
The Minister commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for its support in realizing this project. He expressed optimism about the complex’s ability to transform border security and called on other stakeholders to continue supporting the government’s initiatives.
As the complex becomes fully operational, it is expected to enhance Nigeria’s security posture, reduce economic losses, and improve the country’s image as a safe and well-regulated destination.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Technology Innovation Complex marks a new era in Nigeria’s border management and national security. With advanced surveillance, renewable energy integration, and streamlined visa processes, the facility stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting the country from criminal elements while fostering regional and international cooperation.
