By Nasir Shuaibu
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has called for stronger collaboration with journalists to raise public awareness of irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The State Comptroller, Umar Aliyu Abubakar, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, to the command.
Abubakar said effective media engagement was essential to educating the public on immigration regulations and the dangers associated with illegal migration, adding that accurate reporting would strengthen public understanding of the Service’s operations.
He explained that irregular migration was not limited to entering a country without valid travel documents but also included visa overstays, unauthorised employment and crossing international borders through unofficial routes.
The comptroller warned foreign nationals against violating the conditions of their visas, particularly engaging in employment with visitor visas or remaining in the country beyond their authorised period of stay.
He also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment on human trafficking and migrant smuggling, urging journalists and other stakeholders to support efforts to address the challenges.
Abubakar clarified that the regulation of mining activities and the issuance of mining licences were the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry in charge of solid minerals, not the Immigration Service.
He, however, noted that immigration officers were responsible for verifying the immigration status and work authorisation of foreign nationals found at mining sites.
The comptroller said the Service had continued to engage media organisations, including the Bauchi Radio Corporation, to communicate its activities and responsibilities to the public.
He added that the NIS was responsible for issuing international passports to Nigerians, visas to eligible foreign nationals and other relevant travel documents, including ECOWAS travel documents that facilitate movement among member states.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Rauf Oyewole, said the visit was aimed at strengthening relations between the Chapel and the command, particularly in public sensitisation on human trafficking, irregular migration and other immigration-related issues.
Oyewole commended the Service for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists over the years and pledged the Chapel’s commitment to providing effective media coverage of its activities.
He said stronger cooperation between the two organisations would help ensure that members of the public received timely and accurate information on immigration matters.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing their commitment to sustained collaboration, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
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