Heads of Immigration from 16 member-states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have come together in Abuja, the Federal Capital City, to deliberate on regional security and related issues.
The meeting is coming at a time when Nigeria and other border countries are being faced with not just attacks from the Boko Haram insurgency, but also challenges of irregular migration and trafficking in persons, have continued to pose as threats to regional security.
Speaking at the meeting with the theme” fostering Regional Collaboration towards effective and efficient migration management in West Africa “, the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, tasked participants to translate the vision of ECOWAS to reality.
Osinbajo, who was represented by the foreign affairs Minister ,Geoffrey Onyeama, identified regional integration, irregular migration,among others,as some of the urgent issues that must dominate discussion during the 2-day event.
The Acting President further challenged the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), on the urgent need to establish a Migration Training Academy, to equip officers and personnel with requisite knowledge.
He urged the immigration heads to consider “the possibility of a seamless movement of ECOWAS citizens”.
He also lamented, that “migration sometimes has a negative connotation”, noting,however,that “it should not be seen purely as a negative phenomenon”.
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau disclosed Federal government’s readiness to deploy technology in dealing with security along the borders.
Specifically, the government will tackle the issue of “irregular migration
On his part, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Muhammadu Babandede, while delivering his welcome address, said the conference will afford member-states an opportunity to compare notes on regional cooperation.
“The overall objective of this meeting is to afford us the opportunity to compare notes and share operational knowledge and experience as management teams of the respective immigration services across the sub-region.”
He listed issues to engage discourse as: “Strengthening cooperation amongst member states in the implementation of ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons, Right of Residence and Establishment,in the light of the prevailing security challenges within the sub-region.
“Strengthening capacity and synergy towards robust intelligence gathering and sharing amongst relevant agencies of member states.
“Examining the level of implementation of the various initiatives/programs of the ECOWAS commission on migration management with a view to fashioning out proactive measures aimed at reducing the menace of irregular migration among member states.
“Working out modalities for community citizens to maximize the developmental benefits of migration.
“find a common voice, develop common strategy and dialogue as a team on issues relating to global issues on migration and development.
“jointly work as team to save lives of innocent youths who are dying trying to cross the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean sea”. He said.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
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