Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, called for the sensitization of Rivers people on the electronic registration of migrants in the state by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Wike, while speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the Controller, Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government to convene stakeholders meeting to kick start the sensitization process.
According to him: “The issue of sensitization on the electronic registration of migrants is very important. The Secretary to the State Government should organise a meeting with Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers for the commencement of the sensitization process “.
Governor Wike also directed the constitution of the State Advisory Committee for Citizens. He said the office of the Secretary to the State Government will liaise with the Immigration Controller for the inauguration of the committee.
He regretted that some Local Government Areas give letters of identification to non-indigenes. He said such letters lead to non-indigenes taking over employment opportunities when recruitment exercises are conducted.
Governor Wike allocated an office block to the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service for them to set up their passport office.
“The current Passport office at the Federal Secretariat is not befitting. The environment is not conducive for the issuance of international passports. This new office block should be used strictly as a passport office “, he said.
He, however, decried the situation where Federal Agencies operating in the state find it difficult to maintain their facilities.
The Governor commended the new Rivers State Immigration Controller for his commitment to serve the state. He also urged the new controller to work with other agencies to ensure that touts are checked at the airport.
In his remarks, the new Rivers State Controller of Immigration, Mr Segun Adegoke thanked Governor Wike for his approval and allocation of land to the Immigration Command for the construction of an office and Staff Quarters.
He appealed to the Rivers State Governor to assist the Immigration Service to sensitize the populace on the electronic registration of migrants in the state. He said that the exercise is necessary to promote security in the state.
