Victor EzejaIn its quest to improve border security in line with global best practice, the Nigerian government has begun installation of biometric clearance gates for the Immigration Service at the international airports.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the Port Harcourt International Airport, and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu are the Nigerian international airports where the facilities will be installed.
The gates which are expected to be operational by March 2024, would offer smooth clearance services to passengers arriving in the country through any of the international airports.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was on an inspection visit to the Abuja international airport on Monday, expressed delight in the level of work done so far in installation the biometric clearance gates.
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He said: “I am impressed by the levels and pace of work I have seen here today. The facilities are about 70 per cent ready. This means our border control management system is on track. It also means that the Nigeria Immigration Service is ready to contribute its quota to the National Security Architecture.
“The efficiency of the services provided by the NIS determines whatever we see in our security outlook as a nation. All these are being done in line with global best practices and standards and in consonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide quality services to Nigerians.”
He disclosed that Abuja would get 10 gates; Lagos 17; Port Harcourt and Kano would get five each, and Enugu would get four, adding that the facilities would revolutionize the nation’s ability to manage foreign travelers effectively and efficiently.
“We have decided that the more the gates at the airports, the easier it would be for passengers to be cleared. And looking at the ones that have been tested, it takes about 30 seconds for a passenger to clear, so I look at the solutions and the hardware, and I think they are top-notch.
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“Once you check in you don’t need to have an encounter with Immigration officers anymore except you are a person of interest. This facility is not just for you to pass at record time, no. It is also to secure the nation and add another layer to our National Security Architecture.
“If a person is a person of interest, he can easily be flagged. And this gives our Immigration support to be able to effectively do their jobs,” Tunji-Ojo added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
