Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) HQ in Abuja
NIS to unveil new e-visa application window, e-gates at Lagos, Abuja airports
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it will soon unveil a more user-friendly e-visa application window for those seeking the travel document in line with the country’s Visa Policy 2020.
Comptroller General of the NIS (CGI), Mrs Kemi Nandap, who has stated this while delivering her address at the graduation ceremony of the 12th Command Course of the Immigration Command and Staff College, in Sokoto, weekend, said a more accessible and seamless e-visa application channel for short visits will be out soon.
A statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Kenneth Udo, Abuja said the
CGI, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) George Didel, informed that the new channel was designed to streamline visa processes, foster foreign direct investments (FDIs) and boost tourism.
“We must embrace these reforms and implement effective internal control and monitoring mechanisms.
“This is to track the presence and activities of all foreigners in Nigeria,” she said.
The NIS boss pointed out that she is committed to the full implementation of the e-Border Project, adding that this includes installing e-gates at international airports in Lagos and Abuja and integrating the Advance Passenger Information System (API) as well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) to enhance border control and clearance systems.
“These centres are expected to significantly improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination to enhance National Security,” she added.
Nandap also spoke on the need to revitalise NIS’s Divisional Offices and called for improved participation in Security Council Meetings.
She stated that this would be at the state and local government levels, as well as other ad hoc duties, with utmost professionalism and interagency collaboration.
Nandap urged NIS formation heads to work assiduously to ensure the success of the automation of Passport application processes, which according to her was intended to reduce human interface, curtail sharp practices, and enhance efficiency.
She pointed out that the ongoing rollout of enhanced e-passports would continue both locally and at foreign missions until the full transition was achieved, while also calling on all NIS formations to participate actively in the nationwide sensitisation campaign against irregular migration, especially the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).
