THE zonal headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Zone A has canvassed an alliance with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) aimed at strengthening border security and to protect the riverine frontiers with neighboring Benin Republic.
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Olakunle Gabriel Osisanya, fdc revealed this when he visited the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Wednesday, 15th June, 2022 in the company of some senior officers .
During the visit, according to a statement released by Zonal PRO, ACI R.A Ojo, the ACG highlighted the role of the NIS with respect to border security, especially the need to protect the riverine frontiers with neighboring Benin Republic and equally noted the increased use of waterways by travelers between Lagos, Nigeria and Porto Novo, Benin Republic to avoid the delays caused by the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The ACG expressed appreciation on the efforts of the Lagos State Government and LASWA towards enhanced welfare of the populace through the regulation and provision of riverine transportation across the state.
Also, he noted that activities along the riverine routes to Porto Novo in Benin Republic, required NIS presence.
He therefore requested for collaboration between the NIS and LASWA towards ensuring the immigration clearance of passengers arriving or departing Nigeria through the riverine routes across the Lagos Seaport & Marine Command as well as Idiroko Border Command, within Zone ‘A’.
Earlier, the NIS team was received by the General Manager (LASWA) Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel and some members of staff.
In his welcome remark, the GM gave a brief on LASWA as being charged with coordination and management of reforms necessary for long-term growth and development of water transportation in Lagos State.
This includes the creation of an enabling regulatory environment to attract private sector investments in the water transport service.
While responding to the ACG, the GM (LASWA) appreciated the visit of the NIS team and expressed readiness for great synergy with the NIS in addition to the subsisting collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force and LASTMA Marine; towards enhanced national security.
Both parties resolved to form a committee comprising officers from the NIS and LASWA to work out the modalities towards the implementation of adequate security on Lagos waterways enroute the international borders, within the shortest time frame.
The GM offered the ACG and his entourage, which include Mrs AM Halliday Comptroller Investigation & Compliance, Mr YO Momodu Deputy Comptroller Border Management and others, a tour round the LASWA facilities at Falomo Ikoyi before the NIS team
departed.
