The Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s border security and migration management systems.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NECA said the ministry’s plan to deploy an artificial intelligence-driven platform to monitor travellers entering the country and detect visa overstays represents a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s immigration system.
The association noted that the initiative will enhance the country’s capacity to track irregular migration while improving the efficiency of border governance and internal security coordination.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the adoption of advanced technologies for immigration monitoring demonstrates a forward-looking approach to national security.
“In an era where migration patterns and cross-border mobility have become increasingly complex, the use of data-driven systems is essential for improving oversight, strengthening border management, and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations,” Oyerinde said.
He added that the integration of digital systems capable of analysing travel records and identifying immigration violations would significantly strengthen regulatory enforcement.
According to him, modern migration governance requires reliable data infrastructure, intelligent monitoring platforms and strong coordination among security agencies.
“The introduction of AI-enabled monitoring tools will strengthen the capacity of our institutions to detect irregular migration, enforce visa compliance, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s borders,” he said.
Oyerinde also stressed that effective migration management plays a critical role in sustaining investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s reputation within the global community.
He noted that countries with transparent, efficient and technology-driven border management systems are more likely to attract legitimate business activities, international partnerships and responsible investment.
“For the organised private sector, a secure and well-regulated environment remains essential for economic stability and sustainable enterprise growth,” he stated.
The NECA chief further acknowledged ongoing reform initiatives across agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior, particularly efforts to reposition the Nigeria Immigration Service as a more technology-driven institution capable of supporting both national security and legitimate international travel.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security institutions and data management agencies, including the National Identity Management Commission, to build an integrated national data system that supports immigration governance and public service delivery.
Oyerinde urged the ministry to sustain the reform momentum and expand the use of modern technologies across agencies responsible for border control and identity management.
He added that NECA remains ready to support government initiatives aimed at strengthening national security, improving institutional efficiency and promoting a stable environment for business and investment in Nigeria.
