By Emamuzo Iboma
The Netherlands has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in migration governance and border security.
This commitment was demonstrated on Monday during a visit by a Dutch delegation led by Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, Chargé D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Netherlands, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Headquarters in Abuja. The visit featured a high-level strategic meeting aimed at strengthening migration cooperation between both countries.
Bartelink praised the enduring partnership between the Netherlands and Nigeria and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing global migration challenges.
According to a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration in migration management, assessing ongoing capacity-building initiatives, and formalizing the handover of key operational resources. These included the Edison Software license keys and the Passport Examination Program Manual (PEPM III) App, which were officially handed over to the NIS.
Also present was Mr. Rob Bokhoven, Director of International Affairs, Repatriation and Deportation Services in the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands. He reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship and announced plans to provide the NIS with a mobile border software programme. This initiative aims to offer innovative, technology-driven solutions to improve Nigeria’s border control systems.
In her remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, expressed gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for its consistent support and technical assistance. She noted that the PEPM III and Edison Software tools would significantly boost the Service’s capabilities in document verification and border management, while supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy.
She added that the engagement further solidifies the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands and advances their shared objectives in migration governance, border security, and international cooperation.
