Ekiti NIS Boss To Nigerians: Follow Proper Procedures To Obtain Your Traveling Documents

The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in Ekiti State, CIS Abdurasheed Kayode Ademola has called on Nigerians to henceforth follow the proper procedures laid down by the Nigeria Immigration Service for them to apply and obtain their Traveling Documents and avoid obtaining fake documents and taking illegal routes outside of the Country. 

The Ekiti State NIS Boss stated the above while speaking during the grand finale of the 60th years anniversary of the establishment of the Federal Agency which took place on Thursday at the Ekiti State Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti. 

Speaking further, CIS Abdurasheed Kayode Ademola used the opportunity to caution and advised Nigerians on the need to put an end to the ‘Japa’ Syndrome and also stop obtaining their traveling documents though illegal means different from the Offices of the Nigeria Immigration Services nationwide. “I want to urge and advised Nigerians to always ensure they visit any of the Offices of the Nigeria Immigration Services in the Country to apply for their traveling documents, assuring them that they will get it once requirements are fulfilled”. 

CIS Abdurasheed speaking on the theme for the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Immigration Service, titled: “Enhancing Seamless Regular Migration”, lamented on the increase in the rate of the Nigerian Youths embarking on ‘Japa’ Syndrome and dying in the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean”.

According to him, quoting from the International Organization for Migration, IOM’s statistics and records of data, he revealed that nothing less than 1,200 Nigerians have died while trying to migrate through the sahara desert and mediterranean sea in the year 2023 alone.

He maintained that few Nigerians who survived the dream of reaching their desired destination quickly becomes a mirage, with some spending several months, even years in cells abroad for irregular migration, while many are taken hostage by pirates who rob, maim and sometimes rape the illegal female migrants.

He commended the Acting Comptroller General, CGIS, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju for deeming it necessary to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Immigration Service with funfair, underscoring that the past six decades have been a period of passionate service to the nation and fatherland.

The Security Chief said, “Nigeria Immigration Service has gone through a series of transformations, taking the country from the analogue years to the digital era. The agency has achieved a lot within these years in different areas of operations ranging from issuance of travel documents such as (passport, visa and residence permit), border management, migration management, national security and several others”.

The 3-day carnival-like event started in the State on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023 with walk exercise as the officers and men of the Service, took to the streets of Ado-Ekiti, in a joyous mood, singing and dancing in appreciation to God as part of the activities lined up to mark the diamond jubilee. 

There was also a novelty  match between the NIS football team and another sister paramilitary agency (Nigeria Correctional Service), Ekiti State Command, which took place at the NIS  State Command in Ekiti on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2023.

/

The encounter which lasted for about 60 minutes had NIS team  emerge victorious as they scored 3 goals against their opponent, the Nigeria Correctional Service, which scored one goal. 

Other activities included sensitisation programme, visit to Erelu Adebayo Orphanage Home, Iyin-Ekiti, where some food items and toiletries were distributed.

Highlight of the occasion was cultural display and entertainment of guests. Present at the occasion were military personnel, other paramilitary agencies, Nigeria police and Federal Road Safety Corps.