President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) in Abuja, describing it as a fulfilment of his administration’s promise to drive impactful changes in the country.
Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration, noted that the complex, built by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), would enhance Nigeria’s security architecture, transform the ease of doing business, and boost investor confidence.
“The integration of security across air, land, and sea, which you have undertaken, is a dream come true.
“From the outset of our administration, we pledged to deliver and implement innovative solutions across government and the Nigeria Immigration Service.”
“This state-of-the-art complex features seven key components: a Data Centre, Command and Control Centre, Visa Approval Centre, ECOWAS Card Centre, Solar Farm, and Passport Centre,” he said.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to embrace technology, change, and knowledge-based innovations, commending the Minister of Interior for the ministry’s achievements in passport issuance.
“Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people and a leader in Africa, must leverage technology, innovation, and knowledge-based opportunities to drive inclusive growth and development for the benefit of all its citizens.
“We believe that by reforming the Immigration system, as has been done, Nigeria will greatly benefit from increased economic opportunities, streamlined entry and exit processes,” said the President.
Tinubu lauded the collaboration among government agencies, stating that it demonstrated what cooperation and commitment could achieve.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, commended President Tinubu for his supportive leadership, inspirational vision, and encouragement, which ensured the project’s timely completion.
He noted that the project was initiated and completed within a year by the present administration.
Assuring President Tinubu that the project demonstrated the attainability of his vision for Nigeria, the Minister explained that the complex was conceived to reduce the enormous cost of data archiving by various government agencies.
According to the minister, with the complex operational, visa applications will now be approved within 48 hours.
Additionally, Mrs Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, described the complex as a landmark achievement in Africa.
She commended President Tinubu for his supportive leadership, which facilitated the realisation of the project, initially conceived 18 years ago.