Why we Named NIS Technology Center After Tinubu — Kemi Nandap

Why we Named NIS Technology Center After Tinubu — Kemi Nandap

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has named its state-of-the-art technology complex after President Bola Tinubu, in recognition of his commitment to innovation and progress.

The Comptroller General of the service,  Kemi Nandap, said the decision to name the complex the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) was a testament to the President’s support for the project and his efforts to drive reforms in the service.

Nandap made the announcement during the inauguration of the centre in Abuja on Tuesday.

The complex, according to her,   this the first of its kind in Africa, is a multi-faceted facility comprising several critical components.

Nandap highlighted the significance of BATTIC, stating that it would enable the NIS to ascertain the risk level of persons entering the country, detect irregular migration patterns, and monitor unmanned borders in hard-to-reach areas nationwide.

She said 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.

The NIS boss commended President Tinubu for the reforms in the service and his support for the projects.

“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.

Meanwhile, she explained that 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.

She added that the Centre had achieved certification with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and integrated with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

By PRNigeria