Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum.
The announcement was made following a recent meeting held in Banjul, Gambia, where 13 ECOWAS member states gathered to address pressing migration and mobility issues across the region.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement by NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo, posted on the Service’s X handle. The forum’s discussions centered around accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and the abolition of the 90-day stay limit, and residence permits for community citizens. The introduction of ENBIC is aimed at replacing the ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit, enabling smoother movement, residence, and business operations across the region, all while maintaining national security.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Confers GCON on Akpabio and Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun During Independence Day Speech
Nandap underscored the need for swift policy execution to enhance regional integration and promote socio-economic growth. While acknowledging progress in the region, she highlighted ongoing challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security issues, particularly in light of the expansive borders shared by ECOWAS nations.
She called for a unified approach to border management and immigration practices across the region, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with the protection of citizens’ rights.
Nandap’s appointment marks a key step in advancing regional cooperation on migration and security in West Africa.
