CHECKING ILLEGAL MIGRATION:FG SEEKS DEPLOYMENT OF MORE TECHNOLOGY

"Illegal migration is a thing of concern as it not only depletes a region of viable and reliable labour, talent and human resource, but also makes room for unplanned human presence".... Aregbesola.

In its determination to improve the security situation in the country, the Federal Government has called on the European Union (EU) and other relevant stakeholders in migration management to lend their support to the nation's efforts at curbing illegal migration.

This, according to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will be achieved through the deployment of more modern technology at the entry borders to help mitigate the influx of illegal migrants into the country.

This was the disclosure of Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Interior Affairs Ministry in a statement signed  on behalf of the Minister for Interior Affairs on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the appeal when he received a delegation from the European Union (EU), led by its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil Karlsen.

According to him, the nation's land borders were not adequately covered and as such, provided an easier way for undocumented migrants to come into the country, hence the need for stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders to check the menace.

“Illegal migration is a thing of concern as it not only depletes a region of viable and reliable labour, talent and human resource, but also makes room for unplanned human presence”, he said.

The synergy and deployment of modern technology with the relevant stakeholders, he added, will further boost intelligence sharing towards effective and efficient migration management in West African sub region and Nigeria in particular.

Aregbesola who commended the EU and other stakeholders in migration management for their technological support that gave birth to the Migrants Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), noted that it has greatly contributed towards enhancing the documentation of immigrants to the country.

While applauding the European Union for its support towards curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Minister stated further that, Government was working assiduously towards ensuring an enabling environment for its vibrant youth to thrive with a view to curtailing their desire to migrate.

Speaking earlier, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil Karlsen stated that the delegation was in the Ministry to re-initiate the negotiations between Nigeria and European Union on migration matters as well as encourage scientific and technological deployment in migration management processes, among others.