Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has been named Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum.
The announcement was made in a statement by NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo, following a recent meeting in Banjul, Gambia, attended by representatives from 13 member states.
The forum’s discussions focused on key regional challenges, including migration and mobility issues. A central topic was the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), which is set to replace the ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit.
This initiative aims to simplify movement, residence, and business across the region while safeguarding national security. The forum also discussed the potential abolition of the 90-day stay limit and residence permits for ECOWAS citizens.
In her remarks, Nandap stressed the need to expedite policy changes to promote regional integration and socio-economic development. She acknowledged the progress made so far but highlighted ongoing challenges like irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security.
Nandap called for a harmonized approach to border management to balance security with the protection of citizens’ rights.
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