TheCable

The Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS) says it witnessed huge revitalisation during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking with NAN on Saturday, Tony Akuneme, NIS spokesperson, said Buhari’s tenure would be “remembered for the improvement in the passport collection process, border security, and staff welfare which witnessed the long-desired reforms”.

“Until his administration, obtaining a Nigerian passport was very cumbersome, as it involved manual application and processing,” Akuneme said.

“It was very difficult for one to process a passport by himself or herself. Most people sought the services of agents or louts.

“However, in Buhari’s administration, one can use a personal phone to apply and make payment.”

He said the passport reform led to the elimination of louts who defrauded a lot of applicants.

“The reform enlightened Nigerians on immigration issues and processes. Acquiring a passport became seamless, with improved security features,” he said.

The spokesperson said before the Buhari administration, there were 40 passport offices in the country, and now there are 50 offices.

He said 10 more passport offices have been commissioned to ease passport processes.

“One in Alimosho, Lagos, making four offices in Lagos now. There is one in Oyo town and another in Ilesha in Osun state,” he said.

“There were three in Abuja, now they are five, there is one in Auchi, Minna and Daura, among many others.”

Akuneme said the right technologies were deployed to ensure safe borders, and improved border patrol as well as the safety of personnel in the last eight years.

“Border management equipment was deployed to 32 air borders and 26 other locations, these technologies are the best and most sophisticated in the world,” he added.

“The NIS under the same administration has considered the option of deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) also known as drones, for effective border management, if given approval.

“Buhari awarded contract for the installation of an electronic border surveillance system, to monitor the nation’s land borders, to checkmate illegal migration.

“The electronic digital technology ( EDT) would be deployed across the nation’s border to ensure 24 hours round-the-clock, surveillance of all border lines in the country.”