Beatrice Ajibola
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede has pledged commitment towards food security in the nation in conjunction with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to be backed by the NIS Cooperative Society.
On the progression curve of the agency the NIS boss added that immigration service was parts of the successes record during the 5th) year anniversary of President Muhammad Buhari.
The comments were contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the NIS, Deputy Comptroller James Sunday.
Aside several local and international laurels, the Babandede led NIS was awarded the most reform minded agency in Nigeria by the Presidency earlier in the year.
Receiving the Executive Secretary, NALDA Prince Paul Ikkenno at NIS Headquarters on Thursday, the CGI said his administration has always encouraged the immigration personnel to farm being the only profession officers are allowed to engage in apart from their official duties.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne said in line with Mr. President’s vision for food security in Nigeria, NALDA had introduced a programme tagged Back to Farm which would ensured that every individual and organization return to farm for the attainment of food security in Nigeria.
The CGI pointed out that NIS achievements were inspired by the Federal Government open door policies.
According to him, NIS as a vibrant agency with world class services through visa, passenger clearance and passport administration maintained presence in the 774 Local Governments and 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory is one of the key players in the socio economic progress in the nation.
“As we pause to reflect on the President Muhammad Buhari’s administration’s 5th anniversary, we celebrate the achievements of the NIS being part of the success stories especially with the reforms in the visa categorisation and issuance.
“That has encouraged ease of doing business. Nigeria is moving up an unprecedented 39 places on the World Bank business index and twice named as one of the top 10 most improved economies in the world.
Babandede thanked Mr President, National Assembly, the Judiciary, the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, key leaders of Government, MDAs and the private sector and those who collaborated to make NIS a reference point of success.
“We acknowledge there is still a lot of work ahead but NIS remains committed to working with all levels of government to remove critical bureaucratic bottlenecks and make Nigeria progressively better place for businesses to thrive.”