The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has strengthened its partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in a bid to curb illegal migration via the waterways in Lagos State.
Both agencies deepened this synergy when the new Comptroller of Immigration Service in-charge of Lagos Seaports and Marine Command, CIS Joseph Olutayo Dada visited the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Speaking at the meeting, the Immigration boss observed that the Service will fare better in achieving its mandate with a strategic partnership with the waterways regulator.
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His words: “We have some challenges on the waterways even though we do patrols. Collaborating with NIWA will guarantee stronger waterway operations.”
“We aren’t saying people shouldn’t migrate or japa from Nigeria. Migration is part of life and people have a right to seek greener pastures; but they must do it the right way. They have to get their passports, visas and travel through the appropriate channels”
The Immigration boss lamented that several Nigerian ladies are victims of human trafficking for prostitution usually disguised as job offers for home care workers abroad.
On her part, the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Braimah welcomed the idea of strategic collaborations with the NIS, stressing that both agencies are working for the common good of Nigeria and its citizens.
“We expect this collaboration to prohibit illegal migration. Migration is part of life as you observed earlier it fosters tourism, culture and development. Nonetheless, we would assist the NIS in achieving their objective which is that people shouldn’t migrate illegally.
“A lot of passengers board ferries from Marina jetty to Badagry and Port Novo. We don’t know their final destinations or verify their identify; but are open to NIS partnership to carry out migration checks,” Engr. Braimah said.
She opined that NIWA could train Immigration officials on how to go onboard vessels safely and also provide boats, life-jackets, among other equipment when the Immigration make such requests.
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