The Immigration Service says it has refused more that 31000 visitors entry to Nigeria in the first half of the year
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Wednesday disclosed that about 31,556 foreigners have been denied entry into Nigeria between January and May 2012.
According to Joachim Olumba, the Public Relations Officer (NIS), the refusal was as a result of the directives issued by Federal Government on December 31, 2011ordering the closure of the nation?s borders as a result of the declaration of ?state of emergency? on some part of the North local government areas.
Olumba said 5,603 illegal immigrants were also repatriated from the country during the period under review, adding that discussions were on between the immigration service and other relevant agencies to remove settlement areas around the country?s borders.
?The aim is to build new communities for settlement so as to give the people a sense of belonging as their relocation is important to resolving the current security challenges in the country,? He said.
Olumba noted that border-dwellers were frustrating efforts of the service to curb illegal movement of people and goods while stressing the need to resettle and empower border settlers to discourage illegal activities in the area.
The immigration service is also exploring a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to tackle challenges in the management of the country?s borders.
?The arrangement will entail the construction of border plazas with high technology migration facilities, offices and barracks for security operatives,?? he stated.
