FG Unveils AI System to Track Visa Overstayers, Plans Nationwide Action on Irregular Migrants
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The Federal Government has announced plans to begin a nationwide operation targeting irregular migrants, supported by a new artificial intelligence–based system designed to track travellers who have entered Nigeria over the past decade.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the initiative on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Review Retreat of the ministry. He explained that authorities now possess sufficient digital records to identify foreigners who have overstayed their visas.
According to the minister, the Nigeria Immigration Service has established an Integrated Operations Centre alongside a Network Operations Centre, enabling officials to access travel records and entry data for individuals who have entered the country within the last ten years.
Tunji-Ojo said the system would allow immigration authorities to determine who remains in the country beyond their permitted stay. He noted that the government intends to address such cases through lawful and respectful enforcement, emphasising that many nations maintain similar policies to regulate migration.
He added that the immigration service is being strengthened to function as a key component of Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly in safeguarding national borders and monitoring movement across them.
The minister also addressed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, urging the agency to ensure its security services, including VIP protection, are provided fairly and without undue influence. He stressed that citizens facing credible threats should be able to access protection regardless of their personal connections.
Tunji-Ojo further called on the corps to intensify efforts against economic sabotage while highlighting the importance of expanding the country’s national identity database through the National Identity Management Commission. He said broader citizen registration would enhance security and governance.
He assured that the ministry would remain focused on its responsibilities despite the approaching political season, warning agency heads that failure to meet performance targets would attract consequences as the government pursues stricter accountability measures.
The retreat also discussed reforms in the correctional system, with the minister stressing the need for rehabilitation programmes that prevent inmates from returning to custody after release. Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, meanwhile urged agencies to prioritise transparency, measurable performance, and effective service delivery.
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