Border Governance: NIS, IOM Strengthen Collaboration

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of its efforts at enhancing border management, has reinforced its collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The collaboration aims to strengthen institutional cooperation for effective migration management and border governance in Nigeria.

At a meeting, held in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Strategic Collaboration for Effective Migration Management and Border Governance.” NIS Zonal Coordinator, ACG Echefulam Anugwa, hailed the partnership as a model for government–international organisation collaboration, commending IOM for its continued support.

Goodwill messages from donor agencies, including the British High Commission, German Consulate, and Dutch Consulate highlighted the importance of leveraging the partnership for improved border governance.

In her keynote address, NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap noted that the engagement offered a strategic opportunity to review NIS–IOM cooperation and chart a roadmap for deeper collaboration towards modernized, technology-driven border management.

She acknowledged IOM’s contribution to institutional reforms, operational capacity enhancement, and policy development, including the National Border Management Strategy.

IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, on his part, commended NIS for its visionary leadership, citing its regional reference status in digital border governance through systems such as MIDAS, e-Border solutions, and enhanced identity management.

He emphasized that the engagement would help identify operational gaps, capacity needs, and areas for impactful interventions in the next phase of NIS–IOM partnership.

The two-day engagement includes high-level presentations and technical sessions, aimed at producing actionable recommendations and a joint roadmap to guide future NIS–IOM collaborations.

The initiative is expected to bolster Nigeria’s leadership in migration management and border governance in West and Central Africa.

During the engagement the two organisations, NIS and IOM issued a communique identifying their key priority areas.

The actionable deliveries on the key priority areas include: Policy & Legislation; Institutional & Capacity Development; Infrastructure Development & Equipment; Migration Management; Border Governance and Legal Identity Solution

Border Governance: NIS, IOM Strengthen Collaboration

KACRAN Cries Our Members Extorted by Bandits and Terrorists, Mislabeled and Killed by Volunteers

By: Michael Mike

Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has cried out that members of the association continued to be extorted by bandits and terrorist group, killed by volunteers

The association, while condemning all forms of violence, called on bandits and terrorist groups to put an end to the siege on the country, and lamented ceaseless killing by volunteers who wrongly labeled them as bandits

The association in a signed statement by its National President, Khalil Bello on Sunday condemned all forms of violence and urged bandits and terrorist groups to end their atrocities.

The statement read: “We, the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), find ourselves in a moment of great concern. Say it to anyone if you so wish: the shameful, brutal killings of innocent Nigerians, the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira, and the rustling of millions livestock in the Northern part of our country are issues generating heated debate worldwide.

“We are highly worried that our innocent members and law-abiding citizens have now become victims of circumstances. The nature of their pastoral occupation forces them to be in the bush, where they face all types of ruthless extortion in the name of Zakat or are forced to give one of their sons to join banditry as a condition to continue their business of livestock production.

“Secondly, our members are also vulnerable to Volunteers who, instead of entering the deep forests where the actual Bandits are, always end their operations by killing innocent Pastoralists. Likewise, when the security operatives attack the Bandits, too many times innocent Pastoralists are killed. We are the people who are being forced to give the actual bandits cover, as the Bandits will not allow us to freely go into the deep forest to do our business otherwise.

“We of KACRAN are also so concerned and state that, if God forbid, an external attack were to happen, our innocent Pastoralists would be the first and the last target, just as they have been during previous attacks by Volunteers or security operatives.

Bello said KACRAN, as an association of peace and unity that is always working hard towards promoting peaceful coexistence between Pastoralists and Farmers, decided to issue this statement and took the following positions.

“KACRAN, for whatsoever reason, rejects in totality and condemns in unmistakable terms any act of killing innocent Nigerians. We call on Bandits, Vigilantees and Volunteers to end their act, which is a heinous crime that has no cause or justification.

“We are highly disturbed and very worried about how people in their real common sense would kill their fellow human being.

“Among the Bandits’ condemnable acts that KACRAN rejects and strongly confirms is the killing in some parts of Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara States where Bandits broke the peace deals reached with some respected peace-loving Communities in Katsina State.

“We are all aware that some few months ago, the people of some Local Governments in Katsina State accepted the Bandits’ deal to reconcile their misunderstanding and live in peace, but unfortunately, as reported by media, some disgruntled elements of the Bandits broke the promise and moved ahead to painfully attack, kill, and abduct some communities who reposed trust in the peace accord.”

KACRAN alleged that the security volunteers, on their own part, also, if they want to attack the bandits, instead of going into the deep forest to confront the actual bandits, they unfortunately resort to attacking innocent pastoralists, killing their wives, elderly, and children, as well as stealing their livestock.

The statement further read that: “KACRAN has painfully consider the recent bandits’ attacks as a setback to our move to assist in the amicable solution to the North West and North Central conflict to restore peace, confidence, trust, and unity in the region and the nation at large.

“In the same vein, we call on the Katsina State Government to support the peace accord organized and reached between some Local Government communities in the State to enable them to confiscate the Bandits’ and Volunteers’ weapons to end the insecurity in the state.

“Similarly, KACRAN condemned the Volunteers and Vigilantes recent brutal killing of about 70 innocent Pastoralists and burning their houses in Kebbi State, and passionately appeal to Kebbi State governor to kindly use his good office to immediately stop the continuation of the attack under reference on the people who are operating their pastoral occupation in the most peaceful manners.”

They assured “Katsina, any State in the North West/North Central, and the Federal government that KACRAN is ready to help through dialogue, kinetic, and non-kinetic approaches to end the insurgency in the said North West and North Central regions and the country as a whole.”

KACRAN Cries Our Members Extorted by Bandits and Terrorists, Mislabeled and Killed by Volunteers

Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria

…Commemorates Inauguration of Grand Egyptian Museum in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Egypt has indicated its willingness to deepen cultural relations with Nigeria.

The North African countries expressed its willingness through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Motaz Zahran during a grand celebration to mark the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located less than two kilometres from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, Egypt.

Zahran speaking at the celebration in Abuja which was attended by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Obi Asika, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Nigeria’s cultural institutions, highlighted Egypt’s leading role in preserving Africa’s shared heritage and promoting cultural cooperation across the continent.

He used the occasion to call for stronger cooperation among African nations in the areas of heritage preservation, museum development, and tourism.

The envoy reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise with partner countries, particularly Nigeria.

He noted that: “Africa’s cultural renaissance must be built on mutual respect and shared pride in our past.”

Speaking of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark, Zahran said it is the largest archaeological museum complex in the world and a “gift from Egypt to humanity.”

The Egyptian Ambassador Motaz Zahran described the inauguration as a historic achievement, symbolizing “not only Egypt’s pride but Africa’s collective contribution to human civilization.”

He noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum, located less than two kilometers from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, is the culmination of over two decades of vision, dedication, and international collaboration.

He said: “GEM stands as a testament to Egypt’s firm commitment to preserving our ancient heritage while opening a new chapter in our engagement with the world,”

He further said: “The Grand Egyptian Museum is not only about history; it is about connection, connecting civilizations, peoples, and generations.

“It is a living dialogue between the ancient and the modern world.”

The envoy explained that Egypt views its ancient civilization as a shared inheritance of humanity, adding that the inauguration of GEM renews the nation’s commitment to sharing its heritage with the global community.

He said: “From the banks of the Nile, ideas about governance, art, architecture, and science flowed outward, influencing cultures far beyond our borders.

“Today, through GEM, we renew that spirit of sharing and invite the world to experience our story.”

On his part, Obi Asika, commended Egypt for setting a global standard in cultural preservation, describing the GEM as “a beacon of African excellence and a model for nations seeking to safeguard their heritage.”

The event ended with an invitation for Nigerians and Africans alike to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum to “feel the pulse of history and witness Egypt’s continuing role as a cradle of civilization and a beacon of cultural exchange.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, including 20,000 items displayed publicly for the first time, telling the story of Egypt’s civilization spanning more than 7,000 years.

Among its treasures is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts, about 5,400 pieces showcased together for the first time.

Visitors to GEM can journey through time from the Predynastic Period through the 30 dynasties of ancient Egypt, the Greco-Roman and Islamic eras, up to modern Egypt witnessing the evolution of governance, art, architecture, and spirituality that shaped global heritage.

Beyond being a museum, GEM is a living cultural institution, serving as a hub for research, education, and innovation. It boasts advanced conservation laboratories, digital learning facilities, and spaces for cultural exchange, bridging the preservation of the past with the inspiration of the future.

Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria