According to a recent report by Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) deployed at Nigeria’s land borders have expressed deep frustration over the non-payment of their allowances for the past 30 months. These officers have been stationed at the borders for over five years, a situation they describe as unusual and disheartening.
The affected personnel claim that their conditions have deteriorated significantly, citing inadequate support and worsening living conditions. They have called on the authorities to address their plight, stressing that the delay in allowance payments began during the final days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and has continued unabated.
The former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), had previously highlighted the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders and the associated security concerns during a 2021 forum in Paris. Monguno noted that Nigeria’s extensive and poorly managed borders contribute to smuggling, irregular migration, and other transnational crimes. In response, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service initiated strategies such as E-Customs and an integrated border management system to improve border security.
One border security operative, speaking to BBC Hausa Service, described their situation as “dire” and “miserable,” urging for an urgent resolution. They highlighted the increased security risks they face, including recent incidents where colleagues were kidnapped or killed by bandits.
In response to the grievances, Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service, informed Daily Trust that the service is aware of the issues and is reviewing the process. Maiwada acknowledged that the Joint Border Patrol Team, which includes Customs and Immigration, has faced challenges, but assured that steps are being taken to address them.
Despite multiple attempts to obtain a response from the Nigeria Immigration Service, there was no comment at the time of reporting. A source at the National Security Adviser’s office indicated that the collaboration between Customs and Immigration was intended to streamline operations but acknowledged that issues remain.
In a recent statement, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving border security. He emphasized that border management is critical for Nigeria’s sovereignty and pledged to implement recommendations from the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Integrated Border Governance. This committee’s interim report, which includes recommendations for enhanced security measures and technology integration, aims to address longstanding challenges at Nigeria’s borders.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s statement underscores the government’s resolve to enhance border security and management through innovative solutions and stakeholder collaboration. The committee’s report is expected to guide future efforts in fortifying Nigeria’s border controls and ensuring effective security measures.
