Nigeria automates stolen & lost travel documents database

Nigeria has made significant strides in enhancing global security by automating and integrating its systems for monitoring stolen and lost travel documents with the Interpol Global System. The country recently completed the integration process, becoming the first in Africa and 54th in the world according to Interpol's rankings. The Comptroller General of Nigeria’s Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, highlighted the importance of this achievement in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Babandede explained that the United Nations resolution 278 of 2012 mandated member states to use the Interpol I247 system, which operates 24/7, to track the entry and exit of individuals across national borders. By uploading stolen, lost, and reissued passport data into the database, Nigeria aims to enhance global peace, security, and counter-terrorism efforts. The real-time connection to the Interpol database ensures that information on lost passports is readily available to all member countries, particularly at border crossings. Nigeria has already uploaded over 150,000 records into the database, demonstrating its commitment to global security. The automation process significantly reduces the risk of individuals misusing lost or stolen passports to engage in illegal activities. Previously, individuals could exploit the lack of connectivity between databases to use multiple passports in different countries. However, with the real-time integration, any report of a lost passport triggers an immediate alert across member countries, preventing fraudulent activities and enhancing border security. The system has already proven effective, with numerous cases being identified and intercepted within days of the data upload. Moreover, Nigeria has further strengthened its security measures by integrating national identity numbers with passport applications. This integration ensures that individuals must possess a unique national identity number to apply for a passport, reducing the risk of multiple identities and fraudulent activities. By aligning passport data with the Interpol database, Nigeria has taken a significant step towards combating identity theft and promoting economic development. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria has implemented new protocols to manage international travel and ensure public health safety. The government has established a travel portal that requires all individuals intending to enter Nigeria to register and pay for COVID-19 tests in advance. Travelers must present a negative test result before boarding their flights and undergo a second test upon arrival in Nigeria. By allowing a seven-day window for travelers to conduct the second test, Nigeria aims to prevent airport congestion and potential virus spread while facilitating safe travel. The integration of technology at airport checkpoints, including biometric data capture and monitoring systems, enhances the efficiency of the screening process and ensures compliance with health regulations. Non-compliance with the regulations may result in penalties for both Nigerian citizens and foreign travelers, underscoring the government's commitment to safeguarding public health. Nigeria's proactive approach to enhancing security and addressing public health concerns through automation and integration demonstrates the country's commitment to global cooperation and safety. By leveraging technology and collaboration with international agencies like Interpol, Nigeria is positioned to further strengthen its security infrastructure and contribute to global efforts in combating crime and safeguarding public health.