Kemi Nandap named chair of ECOWAS immigration forum

Kemi Nandap, comptroller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service, has been named the chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) heads of immigration forum.

The forum recently converged in Banjul, Gambia, to address migration and mobility challenges in the sub-region.

All member states but Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic attended the meeting.

The meeting had “Acceleration of the implementation of the ECOWAS national biometric identity card (ENBIC) and the abolishment of the 90-day stay limit/residence permits for community citizens” as its theme.

The ENBIC is set to replace the ECOWAS travel certificate and residence permit.

The new biometric card is also aimed at facilitating easier movement, residence, and the right to do business across the region without compromising the national security of member states.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Kenneth Udo, immigration spokesperson, Nandap emphasised the need for member states to expedite the implementation of these policies.

Nandap said the changes are key to fostering regional integration and socio-economic progress.

“​While acknowledging the strides made so far, CGIS Nandap, also, highlighted current challenges such as Irregular Migration, Human Trafficking, and Border Security concerns, which have been exacerbated by expansive borders,” the statement reads.

“She called for a coordinated and harmonised approach to Border Management and Immigration practices across the region to ensure both Security and the protection of Citizens’ Rights.”

Udo said the meeting ended with the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of agreed pillars to be pursued in the realisation of the resolution.