President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday that the country must embrace technology, innovation, and knowledge-based opportunities to drive growth.

The President said this while inaugurating the new Nigeria Immigration Service technology complex in Abuja.

The NIS complex comprises seven key components, including a data centre, command and control centre, and visa approval centre, among others.

Mr Tinubu also said the centre was inaugurated to provide a sustained communication architecture linking relevant agencies with collaborative technology along a trusted information network.

He commended the leadership and commitment demonstrated by those involved in the project, and looked forward to feeling its great impact and economic benefits.

He stated, “From the beginning of our administration, we promised to deliver innovative solutions across the government, including the NIS. Today, we have achieved that and are making tremendous progress. Congratulations! We believe that by rejigging our immigration and air travel, we will benefit from economic opportunities.  By the end of the year, March 2025, we aim to achieve a 100 per cent new passport regime. Our passport is a security document that requires careful treatment.’’

The President commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his achievements, particularly in the area of passport issuance, which had given Nigeria a great reputation internationally.

Mr Tinubu also hailed the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap and her team for their efforts in taking the service to its rightful place as a security agency.

“I commend you for your judicious and prosperous leadership of the service. I have heard you loud and clear, and I am excited about the integration of security across air, land and sea. The centre has been commissioned to provide a sustained communication architecture linking relevant agencies.

“Our Visa Approval Centre will provide a one-stop shop for visa applications. With this innovation, Nigeria and other countries can travel with ease, do business with ease, and live honestly among each other,” said the President. 

(NAN)