The Niger State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service ,NIS, Maduka Hope, has issued a directive to all foreign nationals residing in the state to come forward and regularise their immigration status before the expiration of the ongoing general amnesty at the end of the month.
Hope gave the directive following a meeting with leaders of Nigerien nationals in the state, explaining that the engagement aligns with a broader initiative of the Comptroller-General of Immigration aimed at strengthening border security and improving migration management nationwide.
According to the comptroller, the Service is intensifying efforts in the new year to ensure proper documentation of all foreign nationals resident in the state, stressing that undocumented migrants would face legal consequences once the amnesty period expires.
He warned that foreign nationals unable to present valid travel or identity documents would be repatriated to their countries of origin, noting that those who cannot justify their presence or activities in Nigeria would be returned, particularly to the Niger Republic in applicable cases.
Hope clarified that the documentation exercise is not restricted to Nigerien nationals alone but covers all ECOWAS citizens living in Niger State. However, he said the exercise would be carried out in phases, starting with the dominant Nigerien community before extending to other nationalities.
He disclosed that the command has begun sensitisation meetings with community leaders to promote voluntary compliance, emphasising that the current phase of the exercise is non-coercive.
The comptroller, however, warned that irregular migrants who attempt to evade the process would be dealt with according to the law.
He explained that many undocumented migrants would need to return to their home countries to obtain proper identity documents before re-entering Nigeria legally.
For those willing to comply, Hope assured that the Immigration Command would provide guidance and support once the necessary requirements are met.
He also revealed plans to tighten border security, noting that the Immigration Service would collaborate with the military, police and other security agencies to secure border routes and roads across the state.
The Niger State Immigration Command has therefore urged all foreign nationals in the state to liaise with their community leaders or visit the command’s office to complete their documentation before the amnesty period expires at the end of the month.