Muhammad Babandede

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will commence the issuance of Residence Permits to foreign nationals in the next three months as it moves to expel millions of immigrants illegally living in the country.

The Comptroller General of NIS, Muhammad Babandede disclosed this on Sunday while speaking during the passing out ceremony of the 44th Superintendent Basic Course for 396 trained officers from the Immigration Training School, Kano.

His words: “In the next three months, the Service would commence issuance of Residence Permits to foreign nationals resident in the country and anybody who failed to possess his own before the expiration of the stipulated time faces deportation.

“In the face of serious insecurity facing the country, the only option left for the Service is the issuance of Permits for all foreign nationals living in the country.

“In the face of global reality coupled with the insurgency and other serious security threats, Nigeria must take all necessary steps in protecting its sovereignty for the citizens to go about their lawful businesses in peace.”

He further disclosed that the Service has taken serious steps towards ensuring that the nation’s borders were protected to make the country safer for business and encourage the inflow of foreign direct investments without undermining national security.