By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said the priority of the Ministry of Interior remains internal security and effective border control.
The Minister stated this while receiving the interim report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Integrated Border Governance, which conducted a rigorous assessment of Nigeria’s border security and management.
The Minister commended the committee for its diligent work and expressed his resolve to implement the recommendations to improve Nigeria’s border governance standards.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the critical importance of border security for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability, noting some of the longstanding challenges that have plagued the border centres which the Ministry strives to address by deploying innovative solutions.
“Border security is the cornerstone of any nation’s defence. We have to take border management security seriously and work with border communities to create a sense of awareness and collaboration,” the Minister reiterated.
In a statement, the Director, Press and Public Relations, in the Ministry, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, quoted the Minister as further assuring that the interim report would not be ignored but would serve as a guide for enhancing border governance in Nigeria.
He stressed the urgency of taking action based on the report’s findings and recommendations, and promised to consult with relevant stakeholders to strengthen border security measures.
Earlier, the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Dr. Peter Egbodo, Director, Joint Services of the Ministry presented the interim report to the Minister, outlining the key observations and recommendations from the assessment.
The report proffered recommendations aimed at enhancing security measures and fortifying the nation’s borders, in line with the commitment of the President Tinubu’s administration to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
It also proposes integrated cutting-edge surveillance technology, such as drones, satellite imagery, and advanced screening methods, to enhance the effectiveness of border control measures.
Members of the committee included senior officials from the Ministry of Interior the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, National Boundary Commission, Border Community Development Agency and Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.
The Committee visited 5 border posts in different regions of the country within a period of 4 months between October 13, 2023 and February 20, 2024.