- 15m migration records integrated into digital system as FG targets identity gaps, strengthens national security
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is deploying artificial intelligence-assisted tools, digital audit trails and secure mobile devices to strengthen border surveillance, detect suspicious migration patterns and curb misconduct among personnel.
The initiative, which integrates more than 15 million migration records into the Border Management Information System (BMIS), is designed to improve intelligence-led border management, close critical information gaps and enhance accountability in immigration operations.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of specialised training for 87 immigration officers in Abuja, where she warned that the new technology must not be abused or used to justify arbitrary decisions against travellers.
She stressed that artificial intelligence-generated alerts would serve only as indicators requiring further examination and must not be treated as conclusive evidence of wrongdoing.
“An alert is not a verdict. A risk indicator calls for careful, proportionate examination. It never replaces evidence, professional judgement or respect for the rights of the travellers standing in front of you,” Nandap said.
According to her, the deployment of digital tools would enable the service to review officers’ activities through electronic audit trails, making individual decisions more traceable and strengthening compliance with established operational procedures.
She warned that officers entrusted with access to the platform must protect sensitive information and refrain from using the system for personal interests, unauthorised searches or improper favours.
“Your access to this system is a position of trust, not a personal privilege,” she said.
Nandap cautioned that officers who shared access credentials, accessed records out of curiosity, manipulated information or facilitated improper passage through the system would face investigation and disciplinary action.
The reforms come amid persistent concerns over identity fraud, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other transnational crimes that exploit weaknesses in information sharing and border surveillance.
The comptroller-general said the integration of the BMIS with the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) had brought together more than 15 million migration records, giving authorised officers improved access to information required for identity verification, movement monitoring and risk assessment.
She explained that the significance of the integration lay not merely in the volume of data collected but in making previously fragmented records accessible to authorised personnel when needed for operational decisions.
“Fragmented records, isolated decisions and outdated methods cannot meet these demands,” she said, emphasising the need for connected information systems, competent personnel and accountable leadership.
The NIS is also deploying secure mobile devices to enable officers to conduct identity verification and other checks beyond fixed office terminals.
However, Nandap warned that the increased mobility must not compromise confidentiality, data protection or system security, insisting that handheld devices must be subject to the same safeguards as office-based platforms.
She maintained that AI-assisted tools would identify patterns and flag potential risks for human assessment rather than make final operational decisions independently.
“No technology is infallible. Poor data produces poor analysis. Unchecked alerts cause harm,” she said.
The comptroller-general identified accuracy, integrity, judgement, readiness and accountability as the five core standards expected of the 87 officers who completed the specialised training.
She charged them to ensure the accuracy of entries, correct errors only through approved procedures, protect their access credentials, maintain assigned equipment and escalate suspicious cases through established channels.
Supervisors, she added, must ensure the effective deployment of personnel, the availability of functional equipment and the timely completion of operational reports.
Nandap said the success of the programme would be assessed by improvements in frontline operations rather than the number of officers trained or devices distributed.
She identified better record accuracy, consistent verification procedures, prompt escalation of alerts, reliable system availability and lawful treatment of travellers as key performance indicators.
FG moves to integrate security databases
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the immigration reforms formed part of a broader Federal Government initiative to connect information systems across agencies under the ministry and address vulnerabilities created by fragmented databases.
He disclosed that the government had developed a 10-year technology roadmap and established a data centre with a capacity exceeding eight petabytes, supported by a solar farm that enables the data control centre to operate independently of the national electricity grid.
According to the minister, the wider Centralised Interior Management System is intended to integrate relevant platforms across the ministry, including correctional and fire administration systems, while improving coordination with national identity management institutions.
Tunji-Ojo argued that analogue processes were no longer adequate for managing migration in a country with a population exceeding 200 million, particularly as authorities sought reliable information on the identities and status of people entering, leaving or residing in Nigeria.
He questioned official records reportedly placing the number of foreign nationals working in the country at about 40,000, saying the figure highlighted the need for more comprehensive data collection and stronger coordination among government agencies.
“When you do not have the data of those foreigners residing in your country, then how do you manage their affairs? And how do you monitor them?” he asked.
The minister cited the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States as an example of the potential consequences of intelligence and information failing to reach relevant authorities because of disconnected systems.
He said Nigeria must address such institutional weaknesses before they undermine national security.
Minister demands technology transfer
Tunji-Ojo also warned technology vendors against withholding technical knowledge from government personnel, declaring that the ministry would prioritise knowledge transfer to reduce dependence on external contractors.
He said Nigerian officers must acquire the technical expertise required to operate, maintain and troubleshoot critical systems instead of leaving public institutions vulnerable whenever vendors are unavailable or unwilling to provide support.
“The era when any vendor will hold the service of government to ransom is gone,” he said.
“If you cannot transfer knowledge, then you have no business in government business.”
The minister said the government intended to build local capacity within the immigration service, enabling it to develop indigenous technical expertise and potentially support other countries in border management and migration technology.
He also pledged sustained investment in personnel training, arguing that government agencies must provide officers with the necessary skills and tools before demanding improved performance.
Both officials urged the graduating officers to translate their training into measurable improvements at their duty posts.
Nandap maintained that the credibility of the reforms would ultimately depend on the responsible use of technology to strengthen national security, facilitate legitimate travel and protect the rights of travellers.
She said effective border management must be anchored on reliable information, professional judgement, accountable decision-making and public trust.
