Nigeria, EU Strengthen Ties to Tackle Migration and Security Challenges
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders, curbing irregular migration, and strengthening international cooperation.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday February 4, 2026 in his office when he received the Deputy Director, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Mr. Johannes Luchner, alongside the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and their delegation on a courtesy visit. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s full commitment to strengthening partnership ties with the European Union.
Speaking during the visit, Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s determination to move from reactive migration responses to a preventive and technology-driven approach. He underscored that irregular migration poses risks not only to Nigeria’s national reputation but also to partner countries, stressing that Nigeria is fully invested in ensuring migration is regular, orderly, and lawful.
As part of ongoing reforms, Nigeria has significantly strengthened border control across air, land, and maritime domains. Airport security has been enhanced through the deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), integration with MIDAS, and other cutting-edge platforms—marking the most substantial progress in border management in over a decade, the Minister said.
In addition, the Minister stated that Land border operations have also been reinforced. The President has approved the recruitment of approximately 10,000 additional personnel, while seven fully equipped border control posts—supported by solar power, water supply, and reliable connectivity—are now operational. Plans are underway to establish seven additional posts. Through the national e-border system, Nigeria now covers over 60 percent of its land borders and several island territories.
Further demonstrating its commitment to modern border governance, Nigeria has constructed the country’s largest public-sector data center, with an 8.3-petabyte capacity and an off-grid solar power system. The facility supports a state-of-the-art command and control center for real-time surveillance and analysis. Aerial surveillance capabilities have been expanded, alongside the deployment of approximately 55 high-intensity patrol vehicles.
Dr. Tunji- Ojo stated that “Recognizing Nigeria’s role as both a destination and transit hub within the ECOWAS region, the government has ensured the availability and recognition of the ECOWAS biometric ID card to strengthen traveler identification. In addition, the government has introduced the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), enabling citizens who have lost or expired passports to return home through a secure, biometric-verified digital platform”.
Earlier in her remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap, briefed the delegation on Nigeria’s intensified screening measures, which have led to a marked reduction in irregular migration. These measures target risks linked to human smuggling and trafficking, particularly among vulnerable travelers lacking clear travel purpose or adequate documentation.
In his remarks, Mr. Johannes Luchner commended Nigeria’s progress, noting a measurable decline in irregular arrivals from Nigeria into the EU. He acknowledged Nigeria as one of the EU’s most important partners in Africa and expressed confidence that the balanced agreement would receive positive consideration by EU member states and the European Parliament.
Mr. Johannes Luchner also highlighted opportunities to deepen operational cooperation with Europol, Frontex, and other EU agencies, particularly in combating human smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate, the Honourable Minister described the partnership as enduring and mutually beneficial. “A stable Nigeria contributes to a stable European Union, just as a stable EU supports a stable Nigeria. Our futures are interconnected, and together we must build stronger political and economic ties for generations to come.”
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reiterated that Nigeria remains open, committed, and fully engaged in advancing shared solutions that promote security, development, and dignity in migration governance.
