BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Determined to confront concerns over worrying security challenges in the country, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced electronic registration of all immigrants currently in Nigeria for more than 90 days.
The exercise, which began on Monday, July 15, 2019, is to have data of all foreign nationals residing in the country properly documented for ease of identification, assessment and planning.
Comptroller of Immigration Service in charge of Cross River Command, Barrister James Okey Ezugwu said the Service is determined to capture electronically the data of every immigrant who has stayed beyond 90 days in the country for proper profiling and identification of foreigners at all time.
Barr Ezugwu said the exercise became necessary to enable the Service maintain proper records and accurate statistics of all those visiting the country for whatever purpose
Speaking to newsmen in Calabar, the Comptroller however urged landlords, hoteliers, traditional rulers and community leaders across the country to assist the Service and its personnel in delivering on this mandate by disclosing information that would make the exercise a huge success.
He also explained that the electronic registration of migrants, tagged ‘Integration and National Development’, is not meant for minors under 18 years of age and those currently enjoying diplomatic immunity, including immigrants staying less than 90 days in Nigeria.
The exercise, meant to generate data for national planning and development, would also cover ECOWAS Nationals and Barrister Ezugwu, who dismissed speculations of a witch hunt, was however quiet on possible arrest and prosecution of criminals.
According to him, immigrants whose international passports have expired should not entertain any fear as immigration personnel, carrying out the exercise, are under strict instructions and caution against extorting money from any migrant.
He said since the exercise is free, the Service expects every immigrant to voluntarily turn up for the registration in their areas of residence and not places of work.
The registration, which is voluntary but compulsory, remains a national requirement that must be upheld by every migrant and the NIS has assured of its commitment to maintaining an effective data base for all migrants in Nigeria.
