The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to fostering cooperation with France and other global partners to curb irregular migration.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a courtesy visit by the French Government led by the Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Christophe Léonzi.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, conveyed this in a statement on Tuesday, quoting Tunji-Ojo as saying that the Nigerian government has taken proactive steps to prevent illegal migration by deploying cutting-edge technology to monitor and manage its land, maritime, and air borders.
Acknowledging migration as a natural phenomenon, Dr Tunji-Ojo emphasised the government’s stance against illegal migration, expressing Nigeria’s willingness to support bilateral efforts to combat this challenge.
“An African problem is more of a European problem than an American or Asian problem because of our proximity. It is easier for people to find their way to Spain, France, Italy, or the United Kingdom than to get into America or China. So, it means that the more we invest our energy and efforts into proactive strategies, the better it is for us,” the Minister said.
He highlighted the dynamic nature of illegal migration, stressing the need for continuous dialogue and proactive measures to stay ahead of traffickers’ evolving tactics.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry is streamlining the Nigerian visa application process on the basis of reciprocity, with a priority on automation and seamless access to INTERPOL data, to strengthen border control and security measures.
On his part, the Ambassador in Charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Christophe Léonzi, said the purpose of the visit was to foster cooperation between both countries.
Earlier, before the engagement with the French delegation, the Minister of Interior had a closed meeting with the Technical Committee on the Enhancement of Security in the North, led by Major General A.T. Jibrin (rtd).
He acknowledged that progress has been made since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, noting, “Yes, we are not where we want to be, but of course, we are not where we don’t want to be or used to be.
“Since May 29th, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, there has been a visible difference in terms of the security situation.”.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap, and other high-ranking officials of the Ministry were present at both meetings.
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