NIS State-of-the-art Technology Building Constructed By Julius Berger, Commissioned By President Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari, has directed security agencies in the country to raise their performance in protecting lives and property, saying that Nigeria’s global security index must be improved.

The President, who gave the directive while commissioning the Technology Building, Data Command, Communication and Control Centre of the Nigeria immigration Service in Abuja, assured that his administration will give the much needed support to security agencies for their operations.

Buhari, who was virtually present to commission the building said; “It is imperative that our ranking in the Global Security Index improves and I am using this medium to call on all security agencies to step up their activities towards achieving this goal”.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, commended President Buhari for approving the construction and furnishing of the edifice.

According to Babandede; “For us in NIS, the unveiling  of this building today, provides a unique platform for security agencies in the country to truly synergize and  harmonize efforts under one roof to frontally address various national security concerns using the instrumentality of information and communication technology.

“The nature of the building and its robust IT infrastructure makes it a great investment and a huge   contribution to global security, particularly with its   effective connectivity to special platforms such as the INTERPOL and ICAO PKD/PKI data bases.

“With  this,  both  local  and  transnational  criminal  activities  can  be  easily monitored and nipped in the bud,” he said.

Speaking in turn, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola thanked the President for the signing of the contract and also congratulated the Nigerian Immigration Service for the completion of the building. Aregbesola specially appreciated Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for always doing a good job and delivering on time. He said; “I want to thank Julius Berger for doing a great job and they always deliver, anyone here representing Julius Berger here should rise, a round of applause for Julius Berger and thank you for a job well done”.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the Executive Director, Administration, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, who represented the Managing Director, Dr. Lars Richter, celebrated the company’s accomplishment of the project, saying; “In exhibition of the usual speed, quality assurances and other attributes of excellence, which is a hallmark of this reputable company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has lived up to expectations by keeping to our obligations and promise in accordance with the contract, delivering a world class infrastructure despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is in line with our usual work ethics, moral obligations and commitments towards completion of projects as a core principle from which not even the slightest deviation is accepted,” he said.

Bayi expressed appreciation for the efforts of men and women of the Nigeria Immigration Service ably led by the Comptroller-General; the project consultants, Artec Practice Limited led by Architect Popoola; and the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc project implementation team.

Bayi also thanked President Buhari for his leading and patriotic commitment to the construction of strong, functional and lasting infrastructural facilities for Nigeria, including the NIS Technology Building.

He equally thanked the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his unflinching and very productive support throughout the duration of the project.

The new state-of-the-art ultra-modern complex is the most technology-driven, digital and automated building the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ever had since its establishment in 1958.

The contract for the project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on November 1, 2018 for the first phase while the second phase was awarded on December 14, 2020. Both phases of the contract were successfully executed and delivered for commissioning by the construction giant as contracted.

The building has a gross floor area of 3600 square metres with a reinforced concrete structure. The distinguishing features include double skin wall, energy saving lighting fittings, air-conditioning equipment, fire strategy consideration and top-notch passive ICT components and electronic passport management system dashboard. It was a grand and beautiful occasion with the NIS Band thrilling the guests and audience.

Dignitaries that attended the commissioning ceremony included: the Chairman House Committee on Interior, Hon. Nazir Zango Daura; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (CCIE) who represented the Minister of Communication, Isa Ali Pantani; Minister of Women Affairs, Paulen Talen; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore among others.

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