President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, commissioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Innovative Complex, Data and Command Centre (BATTIC) at the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) located in Sauka, Abuja.
During the commissioning, President Tinubu stated that the commissioning is a dream come true and a further confirmation that the country is making progress under his leadership.
He also emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace technology, innovation and a knowledge base economy as a pace-setter on the African continent.
It is understood that the project had been in the pipeline for about eighteen years before it was completed by the current administration.
“…This is the fulfillment of a dream. From the beginning of our administration we promised to deliver. Nigeria is making tremendous progress…” Tinubu said during the commisoning.
Henzodaily understands that the NIS Digital Hub signals Nigeria’s digital compliance with the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), providing a new, modern and technology compliant system.
President Tinubu noted that the complex and its services would enhance the security architecture, transform the ease of doing business in the country, and ultimately boost investor confidence in Nigeria.
“The integration of security, whether air, land or sea, embarked upon by you is a fulfilment of a dream. From the beginning of our administration, we promised to deliver and execute excellent and innovative solutions across the government and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“This state-of-the-art complex comprises seven key components, including a Data Centre, Command and Control Centre, Visa Approval Centre, ECOWAS Card Centre, Solar Farm and Passport Centre,” he said.
According to presidential media aide, Sunday Dare, the system protects Nigeria’s borders and enhances national security.
The newly-commissioned system has an 8.3 gigabyte system and six components. The modern facility functions to detect suspicious travel patterns, pick out persons of interest, biometrics, and real-time 24-hour surveillance, amongst others.
The development makes Nigeria’s passport a security document with full compliance with international standards.