The Nigerian Federal Government announced on Tuesday that it deported 828 foreigners from the country in 2024 while simultaneously issuing approximately 1.8 million passports, marking significant activity in immigration and citizenship services.
Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made these revelations during a media briefing in Abuja. The minister highlighted the deportation as part of a broader initiative to curb irregular migration, which he stated is crucial for national security and the regulation of entry into Nigeria. The specifics of the offences leading to deportation were not listed, but the minister assured that these actions were executed by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with legal and international protocols.
On the issuance of passports, the minister praised the efforts of the NIS for enhancing its efficiency, particularly through digital reforms. This year, the service has managed to distribute an unprecedented number of passports, showcasing a significant improvement over previous years. The process has been modernized with online applications, aiming to facilitate easier access for Nigerians both domestically and in the diaspora.
The minister also touched upon the government’s commitment to improving border security and immigration services. He noted that these efforts include the establishment of a centralized Visa Approval Center in Abuja to streamline the visa application process, linking Nigerian passports with the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory for global verification, and the construction of an 8.3-petabyte data center to support these operations.
This move comes at a time when Nigeria continues to address issues of security, identity, and international relations, aiming to balance openness with stringent control over its borders. The government’s actions reflect a broader strategy to enhance national security, protect citizens, and ensure that immigration policies align with national interests.