Nigeria and the European Union (EU) plan to deepen their collaboration on security, border management, and migration policies, as the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled a comprehensive security strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s internal security framework.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the key areas of focus, including identity management, border security, visa processing, and document authentication, as he welcomed the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.
He further revealed that Nigeria has already achieved 60% e-border coverage and is working towards full automation to enhance surveillance and control of the country’s extensive land borders.
To streamline visa processing, the Nigerian government is introducing an electronic visa (e-visa) system that will allow applicants to apply online and receive their visas via email, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or application centres.
Additionally, the Ministry has announced the development of a Centralised Citizen’s Integrity and Document Authentication System (CCIDAS), a unified platform designed to enhance the verification and authentication of Nigerian documents. The initiative aims to curb document fraud and improve international trust in Nigerian-issued documents.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of strengthening the EU-Nigeria partnership, particularly in the areas of peace, security, defense, and migration governance.
He noted that the EU remains committed to expanding its cooperation with Nigeria, adding that this was reinforced in high-level discussions between EU representatives and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further stressed that in today’s rapidly evolving world, both Nigeria and the EU must collaborate more closely to address security challenges and seize emerging opportunities for economic and political stability.
