The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has called for stronger collaboration among sister agencies, technology experts and development partners to protect the nation’s digital identity systems, migration data and critical data infrastructure.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, gave the charge on Thursday at the launch of the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign of the NIS, with the theme, “Securing Our World: Building a Cyber-Ready Nigeria Immigration Service.”
Declaring the campaign open on behalf of the Comptroller General of Immigration, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Works and Logistics, A.J. Umanah, said the NIS is implementing a five-point strategic plan to achieve a cyber-resilient system.
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“These include strengthening internal cybersecurity governance and compliance mechanisms; building capacity through continuous ICT and operational training; deepening inter-agency collaboration, especially with the defence and security sectors; investing in secure digital infrastructure that meets international standards; and institutionalising data protection and privacy compliance in line with national and global frameworks,” she said.
“Every officer, regardless of rank or post, is a potential gatekeeper, or a weak link, in the chain of security. Integrity in the digital domain is as important as integrity at the border post.
She urged all formations of the NIS to mainstream cybersecurity awareness into their daily operations, internal audits, and staff briefings, while enforcing compliance with data protection policies and responsible digital conduct.
“Let this seminar not be a routine event, but a turning point. Cybersecurity is no longer an ICT issue; it is a collective operational mandate,” she added.
The CG warned that cybercrime has evolved into a national security threat capable of undermining governance, economic stability, and public trust.
“The rise of cyber threats in recent years has shown that cybersecurity is not just a technical concern. It is a national security issue, an economic priority, and a moral obligation to protect the trust of citizens,” she said.
Nandap said the global escalation of cyber attacks targeting identity and migration data has made it imperative for Nigeria to build a cyber-ready immigration service, capable of defending its digital assets and the personal information of millions of citizens.
She noted that the Immigration Service sits at the heart of Nigeria’s national identity management and border security system, handling vast databases of personal, biometric and travel information.
“Our databases hold critical information on the movement, identity and statehood of millions of people. A single breach could have far-reaching consequences for national security, international relations, and citizen trust,” Nandap cautioned.
The 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign is part of Nigeria’s participation in the Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and will feature workshops, simulations and training sessions across NIS formations nationwide to strengthen national identity protection and digital resilience.
