Abuja, Sept. 30, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of Immigration Forum. Her appointment was confirmed during the forum’s recent meeting held in Banjul, Gambia, where representatives from 13 ECOWAS member states convened to address pressing issues related to migration and mobility within the region.
The announcement was made in a statement released by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Tuesday in Abuja. According to Udo, one of the key topics discussed during the Banjul meeting was the accelerated implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC). This initiative aims to replace the current ECOWAS Travel Certificate and Residence Permit, thereby simplifying movement, residence, and business activities within the region while ensuring national security remains a priority.
The forum also addressed the abolition of the 90-day stay limit and residence permits for ECOWAS citizens, as part of efforts to foster regional integration and ease mobility across West Africa. The newly elected Chairperson, Kemi Nandap, underscored the importance of swiftly implementing these policies to drive socio-economic progress and regional cooperation.
In her remarks, Nandap acknowledged the progress made in migration management but highlighted ongoing challenges, such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security concerns, exacerbated by the vast and often porous borders of ECOWAS member states. She called for a “coordinated and harmonized approach to border management and immigration practices across the region to ensure both security and the protection of citizens’ rights.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum concluded with the adoption of a roadmap aimed at gradually implementing agreed-upon pillars to achieve the objectives set out by ECOWAS. This roadmap aligns with the ECOWAS Act SA.1/7/14, which was previously adopted by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
The forum also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the existing Border Management Thematic Working Group, which was established to address border-related challenges and promote effective collaboration among member states.
Nandap’s election as Chairperson is seen as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s leadership within the ECOWAS region, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional integration and security. (NAN)
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