Immigration @60: Kaduna Government celebrates NIS Diamond Jubilee
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Kaduna state Government extended heartfelt congratulations to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on its 60 years Diamond Jubilee celebration, marked across the nation.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kaduna, Governor Senator Uba Sani emphasized the significance of the milestone, stating that the NIS has made significant progress over the six decades.
Representing the Governor, Mr. Fabian Okoye, the Special Adviser on Research, Documentation, and Strategy, highlighted the NIS’s essential role as the agency responsible for controlling migration and border management in Nigeria.
He expressed the Kaduna State government’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the NIS to ensure the state’s safety and facilitate a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to flourish.
During the event, the State Comptroller of the NIS, Bashir Mohammed Lawal, traced the agency’s history, originating from the Nigeria Police Department on August 1, 1963.
He detailed the NIS’s core functions, including the control of migrants, issuance of visas and resident permits, travel document issuance, and management of land, air, and sea borders.
Comptroller Mohammed Lawal highlighted the NIS’s dedication to people-oriented and professional service delivery, incorporating global best practices through operational reforms.
He also showcased the NIS’s achievements in protecting national identity, border management, and implementing federal government policies related to security, economy, and transparency.
“Notably, the NIS successfully implemented the federal government Executive Order initiative in 2017, followed by the National Visa Policy of 2020, aimed at facilitating ease of doing business, promoting tourism, and improving the overall business environment in Nigeria”
“With Nigeria being a prominent destination for migrants, especially from the ECOWAS community, the NIS has made substantial efforts to monitor and control migration for internal security challenges and combat transnational crimes” Bashir revealed.
Comptroller Mohammed Lawal stressed that the NIS remains committed to addressing new global challenges by using innovative approaches and staying responsive to the ever-changing social, economic, and political landscape.
The agency actively participates in local and international training and development programs to enhance its workforce’s professionalism and effectiveness, making Nigeria an attractive hub for business and tourism.
