‘Documenting immigrants important for security, planning,’ says Okowa

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has said that documenting immigrants will ensure proper planning and assist in the security of lives and property in the country.

The governor stated this when the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammad Babandede, visited him in Asaba.

He said that documenting the aliens was part of appropriate reforms to be taken for the benefit of Nigerians and the country.

“It is very important both for security purposes and for our population plan, for foreigners to be documented,” Okowa said.

“Without appropriate documentation, it can impact negatively on the planning for the nation when it comes to taking care of our people.

“So, without the right account of our people, our resources will become depleted and planning will be affected drastically.

“I think it is important for us as a nation because you find out that people from other countries just come into our country and settle in any part of the nation.

“They are not documented in any manner and that is not good for a nation because if they commit crimes, they cannot be traced. It is important that even without people committing crime, we should have documentation of foreigners in our country.”

Okowa commended NIS for initiating other landmark reforms, particularly the e-passport which would be tied down to national identity.

The governor assured the Service of his administrations support in rendering vital services to Nigerians in general.

Earlier, Babandede had said that he was in Delta to commission some projects.

He commended the governor for his administrations numerous support for the Service.