The Nigerian Embassy in Rome extended its best wishes to the Nigerian Immigration Service on the occasion of its 60years Anniversary, which was recently celebrated in Nigeria and across the Nigerian Embassy in Different Countries. this event prompts the presence of all the staff of the Nigeria Embassy in Rome among whom are Okorie Sunday Francis (FCNA), Ugochukwu Babatunde Onuzulike,(HDC), Mahmoud Mohammed Lawal(counsellor/Head of Chancery) and Minister Omijeh.
His Excellency Ambassador Mfawa Omini Abam the Ambassador to the Nigerian embassy in Rome said the following during the festivities.
“Dear fellow Nigerians, We extend a warm welcome to all of you at the Embassy of Nigeria in Rome as we gather to celebrate the significant milestone of the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). It is a joyous occasion to contemplate the journey thus far and the notable accomplishments achieved by the NIS over the years.
It is often stated that migration plays a significant role in shaping our world. NIS has consistently supported and facilitated regular migration, which has played a significant role in Nigeria’s national development. The services provided by the NIS have greatly contributed to the global recognition of our country, and have played a significant role in promoting development across various sectors of the Nigerian economy”
In Conclusion, he said: The embassy: will soon commence issuance of the enhanced passport I want to reiterate emphatically the national identification number NIN will be a mandatory requirement for passport Application and it will be very necessary that applicant data will be the same as the NIN for the same application process I would like to add to our cooperation through the use of Legitimate channel. In conclusion, I would want the embassy to remain significant to Nigeria particularly †o enhance interface with the governmen†, to foster cooperation with the Nigerian community and to facilitate Nigerians’ regularization and integration in Italy.
The deputy Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Services In Rome, Italy, explored her statement by formally welcoming the Nigerians present.
I am delighted to welcome everyone here this morning as you join us to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Nigeria Immigration Service. This celebration which started at the headquarters in Abuja yesterday 1st August is also taking place in all Immigration Formations Worldwide.
The theme of this 6oth Anniversary celebration is ENHANCING SEAMLESS REGULAR MIGRATION and it remains the commitment of the Service to ensure that anyone who wants to travel either into or out of Nigeria should do so in a proper manner. Get a Passport, get a visa, get your ticket and travel.
I am particularly excited because today’s event provides a good opportunity to inform our esteemed Nigerian Citizens in Italy that the new generation of the passport known as “Enhanced Passport” will soon be rolled out here in Rome. It is tagged the enhanced passport because this passport has more security features than the old one. Also, in accordance with the directive of the Federal Government, this passport now carries the National Identity Number (NIN) of Nigerians. It makes it practically impossible for criminal elements to forge the Passport.
I also want to emphasise that with this enhanced passport, applicants that don’t have appointments cannot be attended to. The system has been designed to only capture applicants who come on the same day of their appointment. I encourage you all to ensure you have appointments before coming to the Embassy to capture your international passport. The set-up for the commencement of the issuance of this new enhanced passport is ninety per cent complete and hopefully, we will start issuing it before the end of this August.
Your Excellency, esteemed Colleagues and my fellow distinguished Nigerians, let me assure you that the Nigeria Immigration Service with the support of the Embassy will continue to do its best to deliver on our statutory mandate. We also in turn request your continued support and cooperation.
The deputy Controller, Zakaria Muhammed Larai in addition stated that the Acting Controller General of NIS, Mrs Caroline Wuraola Adepoju, has directed all the states of the federation to celebrate the remarkable event with lined-up activities.
“The e-passport has also been upgraded to an enhanced e-passport in 2020, which makes forging difficult.
“The ECOWAS Travel Certificate is another travel document issued by the Service, which usage only covers the ECOWAS region.
“The introduction and issuance of Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) electronically to foreign expatriates who reside with us in Nigeria.
“Border Security and Surveillance, also known as the electronic border (e-border), has made border security and surveillance seamless,” the controller explained.
Shamsuddin said that the Technology Building at the SHQ has digital imaging equipment that makes it possible to monitor all entries and exits at the borders in real time.
“This allows the NIS and other law enforcement agencies the capacity to totally secure the citizens and properties from external threats,” he said.
The controller further said that the installation of the Migrants Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) at all recognized ports of entry has made it easy for NIS to save and analyze data of all migrants passing in and out of the country.
He added that the introduction of the National Visa Policy (NVP) 2020 has enhanced the ease of doing business, boost tourism, addressed the current migration-related challenges, and expanded the opportunities regarding bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries.
Zakaria Muhammed Larai mentioned the fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), which she said was a war being fought by NIS with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with NAPTIP”
