FG, Netherlands deepen migration cooperation

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have announced a renewed commitment to strengthening their collaboration in the field of migration and human smuggling. This development follows a recent donation of advanced equipment to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Hostmanship Unit during a ceremony held in Abuja. The contribution marks a tangible step forward in both nations' efforts to enhance migration governance and public service standards. The donation, which took place under the auspices of the Repatriation and Departure Service of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, included a range of modern tools designed to elevate the quality of service delivery within the Hostmanship Unit. Among the items received were a 24 KVA solar inverter system, a 20-kilowatt lithium battery, two large smart televisions, a digital projector, and other technological aids intended to support training programs and public engagement initiatives. These resources aim to facilitate more effective communication and education for immigration officers, reinforcing the principles of empathy, professionalism, and respect in all interactions with travelers and citizens. Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller General of Immigration, emphasized that the donated equipment transcends traditional office supplies, representing a strategic investment in institutional capability and public relations. She highlighted how the Hostmanship Unit, despite being newly formed, has already demonstrated notable success in cultivating a customer-centric approach through structured training and policy development. According to Nandap, the new tools will significantly bolster the unit's ability to deliver high-quality service, streamline training processes, and increase overall operational efficiency. She also extended her gratitude to the Dutch government, particularly the Repatriation and Departure Service, for its sustained support and the evolving nature of their partnership. Nandap noted that this collaboration extends beyond technical aid to encompass mutual learning and shared goals in improving migration management and public service delivery. She assured the Dutch representatives that the equipment would be used responsibly and maintained effectively to maximize its impact. Ronald Sonnemans, the Charge d’Affaires at the Netherlands Embassy in Abuja, praised the cooperative spirit between the two countries and acknowledged the positive changes observed in the behavior and conduct of NIS personnel due to the Hostmanship training. He reiterated the Netherlands’ ongoing dedication to supporting Nigeria in migration-related matters and confirmed that the mobile team initiative, initially launched, would continue into a new phase aimed at further refining Nigeria’s border control operations. Jan-Willem Keuninck, a senior adviser from the Netherlands’ Department for Agriculture and Forestry Services, outlined the long-standing partnership between the two nations, which spans over two decades. This includes regular bilateral meetings, the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding on migration, and numerous capacity-building exercises. Keuninck revealed that Nigerian immigration officers have already undergone certification as Hostmanship trainers in the Netherlands, and a special executive-level training program for senior officials is set to commence in the Netherlands later this year.