The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to begin a nationwide clampdown on irregular migrants while deploying a new technology driven monitoring system designed to track foreigners who overstay their visas.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Review Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo said the government had introduced an artificial intelligence powered platform capable of monitoring travellers who entered Nigeria within the last decade.
According to him, the newly created Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre within the Nigeria Immigration Service now provide detailed records of travellers entering the country.
The minister explained that the system captures information such as travellers’ countries of origin and the duration of their stay, allowing immigration authorities to easily identify foreigners currently living in Nigeria without valid permits.
He stated that enforcement measures would soon begin against individuals who have overstayed their visas, stressing that the government would follow due process while implementing the policy.
Tunji-Ojo noted that several countries strictly enforce their immigration laws and that Nigeria must also safeguard the integrity of its borders.
He added that the ongoing digital transformation of the immigration service forms part of a broader effort to strengthen national security.
According to him, the service is gradually evolving beyond administrative duties to function as an internal security enabler and guardian of the nation’s borders.
The minister also directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to reform its operations, particularly in the area of VIP protection services.
He emphasised that access to protective services should not be determined by personal connections or influence.
“Access to protective services should not be influenced by personal connections or influence peddling,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that the system must be transparent so that Nigerians facing genuine threats can obtain protection without relying on personal contacts within the corps.
The minister further urged the agency to intensify its efforts in tackling what he described as economic terrorism, particularly in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
Turning to the activities of the National Identity Management Commission, Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the progress recorded in the national identity registration programme but warned that more work was needed.
He stressed that every Nigerian must be captured in the national identity database, noting that comprehensive identity coverage was essential for effective governance, security management and national planning.
According to him, the absence of a fully integrated identity system creates loopholes that criminals could exploit.
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the ministry would remain focused on its responsibilities despite the build up to the 2027 general elections.
He warned agencies under the ministry that poor performance would no longer be tolerated, noting that the government had entered what he described as an era of business unusual where institutions would be held accountable for meeting their mandates.
The retreat also focused on reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system, particularly the need to reduce repeat offences among inmates.
Tunji-Ojo said the frequent return of former inmates to correctional facilities indicated weaknesses in the rehabilitation process.
He stressed that correctional institutions must strengthen reform and reintegration programmes that would help former inmates become productive members of society.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, emphasised the need for stronger accountability across agencies under the ministry.
Ajani said effective leadership must be defined by commitment to promises, measurable performance and visible impact.
She added that because agencies under the ministry interact directly with citizens daily, transparency and efficient service delivery remain essential for sustaining public confidence and national stability.
