Abuja: The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has reported the successful sensitisation of approximately 577,200 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the risks associated with irregular migration. This announcement was made by the NIS Comptroller General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, during a recent one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation event in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response,’ aimed to address the ongoing challenges posed by the smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Nandap highlighted the persistent threat that smuggling of migrants poses to the safety and dignity of Nigerians. She emphasized the importance of understanding the evolving dynamics of this crime and underscored the need for a coordinated national response. Nigeria, with its significant population and socio-economic diversity, continues to be a source, transit, and destination country for migrants seeking better opportunities. Unfortunately, these aspirations are often exploited by criminal syndicates, endangering citizens in the process.
Mrs. Nandap further explained that the complexity and transnational nature of migrant smuggling necessitate a comprehensive approach involving partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility. She pointed out that a coherent national strategy is essential, involving government agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Nigeria’s active participation in the recently concluded Khartoum/Rabat/Niamey Processes in Lagos has been pivotal in fostering dialogue and harmonizing actions against irregular migration. These efforts have strengthened border governance and migration management systems while enhancing intelligence sharing among origin, transit, and destination countries.
The sensitisation campaigns this year have reached a significant number of NYSC members, as part of the 2025 Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Sensitisation Campaign. This initiative, launched in Lagos, is active across various locations, including schools, markets, worship centers, and motor parks. Mrs. Nandap also revealed plans to establish Anti-Smuggling Clubs in schools and within the NYSC Community Development Service structure. The NIS remains committed to updating legal instruments, standard operating procedures, and memorandums of understanding to address emerging migration trends and challenges.
Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Ngozi Odikpo called for a coordinated national response to tackle the evolving patterns of migrant smuggling. She highlighted the cross-border impact of migrant smuggling on individuals, families, and communities in Nigeria and beyond. The complexity and sophistication of smuggling operations demand urgent attention from law enforcement and humanitarian efforts. Odikpo stressed the importance of a coordinated, inclusive national response involving all stakeholders to effectively combat this menace.
The event, attended by representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria Police Force, Navy, and British High Commission, served as a platform for sharing knowledge and strengthening partnerships to address the multifaceted challenges of migrant smuggling. Participants were encouraged to share insights and experiences, contributing to the development of effective policies and strategies to tackle irregular migration.