The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has emphasized the need for strengthened regional and international cooperation to effectively secure maritime borders in the Gulf of Guinea.
This call to action was made by NIS Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap at a three-day workshop in Lagos, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT).
Maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea is fueled by various illicit activities, including illegal oil bunkering, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes.
These threats not only affect global trade but also threaten economic stability, food and energy security, and the safety of maritime infrastructure.
Nandap stressed that the NIS plays a crucial role in preventing foreign terrorist fighters and other criminal elements from exploiting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
She highlighted the importance of cooperation, professionalism, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the surveillance and management of borders.
The workshop emphasized the need for collective action to tackle transnational threats, including piracy, terrorism, and human trafficking.
Rocco Messina, representative of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), noted that threats in the maritime domain are interconnected and increasingly complex, requiring a multidimensional response.
To enhance maritime security, the NIS and other stakeholders have proposed and implemented various initiatives, including the establishment of a combined maritime task force, integration of advanced surveillance systems, and expansion of the Border Management Information System (BMIS).
The NIS remains committed to collaborating with regional and global partners to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration at sea without compromising security.
The workshop concluded with a call for clear action plans, stronger partnerships, and a renewed determination to secure the Gulf of Guinea for prosperity and peace.
The event was graced by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo; Comptroller General Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, Inspector General of the Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other foreign diplomats and security chiefs from West and Central Africa.
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