NAN-H-56
Collaboration
By Benson Ezugwu
Calabar, Feb. 23, 2018 (NAN) The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has called for the collaboration of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Cross River Command, in identifying migrant refugees from Southern Cameroon into the state.
Mr Godwin Odey, Head of NIMC in the state, made the call on Friday in Calabar when he paid a courtesy visit to Mr Felix Uche, the Comptroller of Immigration, Cross River Command.
Odey described the NIS as an important partner in identifying true Nigerians at the borders, due to their strategic position in the border areas.
He said that there was no way Nigeria could achieve effective national security without an effective National Identity.
“Cross River has a very expansive border with the Republic of the Cameroon. In fact, in some local government areas, it is very difficult to differentiate who is a Cross Riverian and a Cameroonian.
“They speak the same language and have the same culture and tradition; so, we need a synergy with the immigration and other sister agencies to help us in identifying these people.
“This has become even more serious now that there are many of them coming into Cross River from all directions because of the current crisis in that country.
“That is why we are here, if there is anytime we really need the collaboration of the Immigration Service, it is now.’’
He commended the state command for its assistance so far by insisting that prospective applicants for International Passport must obtain NIN number before they were issued.
According to him, this has increased the number of those wanting to register for the NIN in the state.
Odey blamed the slow pace of issuance of the NIN cards to inadequate funding, adding that, the commission was exploiting every available option, including partnership with non-governmental organisations to move forward.
Responding, the comptroller assured NIMC management team of the command’s readiness to assist wherever necessary and when called upon to do so.
“We are ready to partner with you to get things done the right way. All our neighbours have identity cards; it is only in Nigeria that we do not have a national identity.
“That is why our men are subjected to all kinds of tactics to get the job done.
“We are really concerned as to the slow pace which the issuance of National Identity Number (NIN) is going. So I think NIMC should do the needful. You should expedite action on this card issue.
“Call on me anytime you need our assistance. We will help you to ensure that Nigerians get these cards,’’ he said. (NAN)
BEN/OIF/NKO
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Nkechi Okoronkwo