Amb Husaini Coomassie, a member of the retired Immigration Officers Association and the Head of Mission – Nigeria International Peace Commission, has called on the Nigerian government to increase funding for the nation’s immigration services to help secure Nigeria’s over 1,800 porous borders. Speaking at the annual Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) conference held in Jos, Plateau State, Coomassie emphasized the urgent need for sufficient resources to enable the Immigration Service to address complex border security challenges effectively.
During his address, Ambassador Coomassie pointed out that Nigeria’s borders, which span across vast and diverse terrains, have been historically difficult to monitor and control. He stressed that these porous borders are an avenue for cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration, posing serious security risks to the country. According to Coomassie, the lack of adequate funding has hindered efforts to patrol and monitor these entry points comprehensively.
To tackle these issues, Coomassie outlined several key operational requirements needed by the Immigration Service. He noted that staff welfare, especially those in the border areas, vehicles, modern surveillance equipment, arms, and ammunition, are essential to support border patrols and rapid response units.
Enhanced communication systems and real-time intelligence-sharing platforms are also necessary to coordinate operations across Nigeria’s expansive border regions.
Ambassador Coomassie called on government stakeholders to prioritize funding for these crucial resources, emphasizing that a well-funded immigration service is essential not only for securing the borders but also for protecting the lives and property of Nigerian citizens. He highlighted the need for new policies that could streamline funding allocation and ensure that immigration authorities receive the resources they require to fulfil their mandate.
Dr. Coomassie concluded his address by expressing optimism that, with improved funding and access to modern operational gadgets, Nigeria’s Immigration Service could combat border-related crimes more effectively. He further urged collaboration among security agencies to strengthen border management and ensure national security.
The annual CGI conference is a platform where immigration and security experts gather to address the pressing issues surrounding border management in Nigeria, sharing insights and strategizing for a safer and more secure nation