The Federal Government is set to establish a harmonized verification centre aimed at tackling immigration and document fraud in Nigeria, Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure during a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, David Hanson, who is on an official visit to Nigeria.
Addressing the issue of rising immigration-related fraud, the minister said the lack of a centralized system for real-time document authentication has created inefficiencies in border control. “Currently, verifying multiple documents requires reaching out to multiple agencies, which is not only cumbersome but also breeds fraud,” he said.
The proposed centre will allow the real-time verification of key documents—including bank statements, passports, and birth certificates—from a single platform. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s international image and improve investor confidence.
“We want our performance measured not by the number of fraud cases prosecuted, but by how many were prevented. Prevention is the real measure of effective governance,” he said.
He also acknowledged that while a few individuals may tarnish the country’s image, the majority of Nigerians are law-abiding and reputable. “We are not making excuses. We are taking responsibility,” he added.
In response, UK Minister David Hanson expressed support for the initiative, noting its alignment with the UK’s evolving migration and criminal justice policies. “There is a strong shared agenda between Nigeria and the UK. We’re keen to support joint efforts, especially with the development of the new Joint Centre,” Hanson said.
Hanson, who was accompanied by officials from the UK Home Office, National Crime Agency, and the UK High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deeper collaboration with Nigeria on immigration, security, and trade-related matters.
