Source: Federal Ministry of Interior Nigeria
The governments of Federal Republic of Nigeria and India have vowed to end activities of unscrupulous citizens and syndicates engaging in the procurement of fake travelling documents to travel to India illegally.
The commitment was made on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola when Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Gangadharan Balasubramanian paid a courtesy visit to the minister in his office.
In a media statement by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Fatai Ajibola Afonja, Ogbeni Aregbesola said the federal government, through Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will stop the illegal activities of the unscrupulous elements
“The Minister pledged full cooperation of the Federal Government with India, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to put a stop to the activities of unscrupulous persons and syndicates involved in fraudulent procurement of fake Nigerian travelling documents to enter India illegally,” the statement said.
Aregbesola therefore called for closer collaboration with the government of India through provision of useful information and reliable intelligence reports that will assist in unmasking those involved and their modus operandi with a view to getting them arrested and face the full weight of the law.
On some mariners arrested on a ship for illegal activities, the Minister said he would prefer judicial process to take its course on the issue; even as he will try his best to ensure that those involved are given fair hearing.
The Minister who made it clear that the federal government frowns at all illegalities, insisted that Nigeria will not condone procurement of fake visas by individuals to gain illegal entry into another country.
Ogbeni Aregbesola however implore the High Commissioner for more cooperation and partnership on technical assistance through scholarships and trainings for the personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC),.
NSCDC is a civil protection Corps which responds to emergencies as well as complement the Police in maintaining law and order in the country.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner who lauded the cordial relationship existing between India and Nigeria, promised to explore more areas of cooperation that will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Balasubramanian said as part of the demonstration of partnership between Nigeria and India, personnel of seven agencies of Federal government including the Nigeria Immigration Service are currently undergoing relevant courses and trainings in India.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, who commended the High Commissioner for his visit, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to achieve improved and efficient service delivery through investment in capacity building for its staff and those of the agencies.
