NIS warns of temporary passport service slowdowns during scheduled digital platform maintenance.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested over 90 illegal immigrants across different parts of Rivers State, in a renewed effort to strengthen national security and regulate migration in the oil-rich region.
The Comptroller of NIS, Rivers State Command, CIS Yabagi Abdulmajeed, disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabrabra, in Port Harcourt.
Abdulmajeed explained that the arrests were made following intensified surveillance and enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants living and working illegally in the state.
“These are individuals without valid documentation. Our officers identified and apprehended them in different parts of Rivers State. We urge Nigerians not to harbor or collaborate with illegal immigrants for the safety and security of all,”
— CIS Yabagi Abdulmajeed, Rivers State Comptroller, NIS.
Responding, SSG Benibo Anabrabra commended the Immigration Service for its proactive operations and urged it to ensure the full implementation of the recently reviewed Expatriate Administration System (EAS) Policy, which includes the Expatriate Quota (EQ) Programme.
He said the policy was designed to encourage knowledge and technology transfer between expatriates and local workers, thereby boosting local content development and economic growth in Rivers State.
“The Expatriate Quota Programme was created to improve and grow our local content and personnel. By attaching our people to expatriates, this policy will help us build efficient manpower and achieve seamless technology transfer,”he added
Anabrabra added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration would continue to support the Immigration Service and other security agencies to ensure a safer and more economically vibrant Rivers State.
“We will maintain an open-door policy, ready to partner, participate, and encourage the Service. Our goal remains to create employment, sustain peace, and build an environment where businesses and industries can thrive,”
he added.
CIS Abdulmajeed also revealed that the NIS had introduced new reforms in the visa and passport issuance processes to improve service delivery, curb corruption, and enhance transparency.
He noted that the reforms are part of the agency’s commitment to digital transformation and efficiency in handling immigration-related matters.
“The Service has implemented significant reforms in passport and visa processing to ensure transparency, efficiency, and public confidence,”
The visit, according to both officials, underscored the importance of collaboration between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Immigration Service in addressing illegal migration, strengthening border control, and promoting human capital development.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to policies that would enhance security, employment, and socio-economic growth in the state.
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