Lagos - The International Organization for Migration, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGoN), is taking significant strides towards enhancing border and migration governance capabilities of border officials through the effective use of the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a border management tool designed to enhance and streamline the process of processing the identities of individuals entering and/or exiting the country and to facilitate foreigner registration and regularisation.

"In today’s rapidly evolving world, Immigration and control of migrant processes must stay ahead of the curve and embrace modern solutions that facilitate and secure border controls," said ACG KA Sadiq, NIS Lagos State Zonal Coordinator. "The newly installed solar-powered MIDAS workstation will provide constant power supply while ensuring expedited processing time and the highest standards of security checks are maintained at all times." He added.

To foster the successful implementation of this intervention, IOM Nigeria, in coordination with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), organised a training for 35 Immigration Officers from the two commands. The training focused on familiarising the selected NIS officers with the use and installation of the newly acquired MIDAS devices, which will be used at Lagos State and Seme Border Commands to facilitate the seamless registration of migrants at the Border Control line within the stated commands.

"The need to have a well-equipped and robust border post to facilitate trade and migrant protection is crucial for Nigeria," Said AL-JUMAILI Maysa Munther Khalil, IOM's Immigration and Border Governance Programme Manager. "IOM Nigeria will continue to support the Nigeria Immigration Service in enhancing better border management," she added.

In addition to the trainings offered to enhance officers’ capacity and control cross-border movement, IOM Nigeria, with funding from the Government of the United States of America, donated 17 workstations and document readers, three Servers, two storage devices, and other accessories to the two commands.

This intervention and joint efforts with the FGoN are within the auspices of the United States Government funded project "Enhancing Nigeria’s Border Management Capabilities", and seek to achieve enhanced national security, better monitoring of migration patterns, and improved data management capabilities.

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For more information, please contact: 

Elijah Elaigwu, elaigwu@iom.int