Nandap emerges chairperson of ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has emerged as the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum.

The spokesman of the NIS, Kenneth Udo, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, Nandap emerged as the leader of the group during a recent meeting of the Forum in Banjul, Gambia, to discuss migration and mobility challenges in the sub-region.

He said the meeting was attended by the heads of immigration of all ECOWAS countries except those of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

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“The meeting which saw the emergence of Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration (CGIS), Keni Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, as Chairperson, was well attended by 13 members excluding Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger,” he said.

He said the theme of the annual meeting, “Acceleration of the Implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and the Abolishment of the 90-Day Stay Limit/Residence Permits for Community Citizens”, focused on the introduction of the ENBIC to replace ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit.

This new biometric card is aimed at facilitating easier movement, residence and the right to do business across the region without compromising the national security of individual member states.

In her opening address, Nandap emphasised the need for member states to expedite the implementation of these policies, which are key to fostering regional integration and socio-economic progress.

“The abolition of the 90-day Stay Limit, along with the deployment of the ENBIC, will significantly strengthen free movement, residence, and establishment rights for ECOWAS citizens,” she was quoted as saying.

While acknowledging the strides made so far, Nandap highlighted current challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking and border security concerns that have been exacerbated by expansive borders.

She called for a coordinated and harmonised approach to border management and immigration practices across the region to ensure security and the protection of citizens’ rights.