The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Tuesday named its state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre after President Bola Tinubu.
Mrs Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller General, NIS, made the announcement during the inauguration of the centre in Abuja.
The complex, which is the first of its kind in Africa, is a multi-faceted facility comprising several critical components.
The centre has a Command-and-Control Centre for Regular Migration, NIS Data Centre, Visa Approval Centre, and a 0.5KW solar power plant, among others.
Nandap said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) would ascertain the risk level of persons entering the country.
She said the facility would also detect irregular migration patterns, and monitor unmanned borders in hard-to-reach areas nationwide.
She also said the inauguration of BATTIC was a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, and a bold step in modernising the country’s immigration infrastructure.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today, as we mark a momentous occasion in the history of the Nigeria Immigration Service and, indeed, in the development of our great nation.
“BATTIC is designed to manage and analyse varying levels of data efficiently, using state-of-the-art technology.
“This cutting-edge facility is a true testament to Nigeria’s forward-thinking approach to digital transformation and national security.
“BATTIC is a bold step in modernising our immigration infrastructure, and a powerful tool in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders, manage migration effectively, and enhance national security,” she said.
Speaking further, the NIS boss said the project would ensure the integrity and accountability of individuals entering Nigeria.
“Additionally, BATTIC is a multi-faceted complex comprising several critical components that will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s security and migration management.
“Each of these components has been meticulously designed to meet international standards, ensuring that Nigeria not only catches up with global trends but becomes a leader in the management of migration data.
“With BATTIC, we are setting a new benchmark in the use of technology to protect our borders and enhance national security.
“At the heart of BATTIC’s mission is its ability to manage and analyse varying levels of data efficiently, using state-of-the-art technology,”she said.
The NIS CG highlighted some of the key functions and capabilities of facility as Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Analysis.
She said this enabled the service to assess the risk levels of passengers even before they arrived in Nigeria or depart from their country of origin.
Through the Identification of Suspicious Travel Patterns, she said by analysing travel data, the service could detect anomalies that may indicate potential security threats.
“The complex will support real-time video surveillance to monitor unmanned border areas across the federation, ensuring a constant watch on border activities,” she said.
She added that through the Integrated Communication Platform, BATTIC would facilitate seamless communication across all levels – from border patrol units to border control posts, state commands, the service headquarters and the ministry of interior.
In the same vein, she said through the Cross-Referencing with National and International Watchlists, data would be cross-checked against various national and global security databases, including INTERPOL, to ensure no security threats slipped through the cracks.
“In essence, BATTIC will serve as the central hub for our digital infrastructure, dramatically enhancing our surveillance capabilities, streamlining migration management, and strengthening our national security framework,”she emphasised.
The NIS boss commended President Tinubu for the reforms in the service and his support for the projects.
Nandap said the Centre had achieved certification with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and integrated with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).