UNODC Project to Equip NIS With 30 Vehicles, 60 Computers
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to receive 30 operational vehicles and 60 computers under an 18-month United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) project designed to strengthen border surveillance and control. The intervention will improve the operational presence of NIS personnel at remote and high-risk border locations. It is also expected to strengthen mobility, surveillance capacity and digital infrastructure across the Service.
The project was officially flagged off on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the United Nations House in Abuja based on a press statement e-signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service. The event was convened by the UNODC as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s border management capacity. The initiative is being implemented by UNODC with financial support from the Government of Italy.
UNODC Targets Border Surveillance Gaps
The equipment support is expected to address operational gaps affecting personnel deployed to difficult and high-risk border locations. The 30 vehicles will strengthen mobility, while the 60 computers will support the Service’s digital and operational requirements. Together, the equipment forms the core of the 18-month intervention.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, expressed appreciation to the Government of Italy and UNODC for their continued support. She said the intervention would strengthen the Service’s mobility, surveillance capability, digital infrastructure and overall operational efficiency.
According to the Comptroller General, the equipment would be particularly important for NIS personnel operating at remote and high-risk border locations. Therefore, the intervention is expected to provide practical support for officers responsible for border surveillance and control.
The project brings together the NIS, UNODC and the Government of Italy in a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s border management system. UNODC is implementing the initiative with funding from Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, through the Department of Public Security – Central Directorate for Immigration and Border Police (DCIPF).
Italy Reaffirms Support for Border Management
H.E. Roberto Mengoni, Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen border management and institutional capacity. His remarks reinforced the partnership underpinning the equipment deployment.
Meanwhile, UNODC Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, said the attendance of high-level officials at the ceremony demonstrated the importance attached to the project. He also highlighted its significance to Nigeria’s border management efforts.
According to Toure, the project is designed to help close existing mobility and technology gaps within Nigeria’s border management system. The equipment deployment will therefore focus on practical needs affecting personnel and operations at border locations.
The intervention also comes as part of broader efforts by the participating institutions to strengthen the capacity required for effective border management. For the NIS, the focus is on ensuring that the equipment translates into stronger operational effectiveness across relevant locations.
The Service said it remains committed to ensuring the judicious use of the equipment provided under the project. It also said the support would be leveraged to further enhance Nigeria’s border management system, national security and the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration.
The development reinforces the importance of operational resources in supporting immigration personnel working across Nigeria’s border environment. With the project running for 18 months, the equipment deployment is expected to provide sustained support for mobility, surveillance and digital operations.
