The Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in the Federal Capital Territory, Madam Sharifat Ronke Ibrahim, has called for a reinforced partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This collaboration aims to bolster security for the upcoming 2026 FCT Area Council Election.
Strengthening Electoral Security Through Partnership
The appeal was made during a significant working visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC-FCT, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, on Friday, December 5, 2025. The meeting, which involved top officials from both agencies, focused on leveraging the Immigration Service's capabilities to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Madam Ibrahim expressed her satisfaction with the existing partnership between the NIS and INEC. She highlighted how this alliance has been instrumental in reducing election-related insecurity within the nation's capital in previous cycles.
Digital Reforms and Voter Registration Vigilance
The Comptroller pointed out that recent digital reforms within the Immigration Service have modernized its operations. This technological advancement positions the NIS to offer more effective support as preparations for the Area Council elections gain momentum.
A key area of proposed support involves the integrity of the voter register. The Immigration Chief emphasized the Service's statutory role in identifying non-Nigerian nationals. She pledged the NIS's readiness to assist INEC in preventing non-citizens from partaking in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the FCT.
INEC's Assurances and Continued Cooperation
In his response, Resident Electoral Commissioner Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris thanked the Immigration team for their visit. He acknowledged the invaluable support INEC has consistently received from the NIS as a member of the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security.
Idris gave an assurance that the request for the deployment of Immigration personnel to INEC offices during PVC collection in the FCT would be addressed promptly. This move is expected to add an extra layer of scrutiny and security to the process.
The high-level engagement concluded with the presentation of voter education materials to the Immigration Service delegation and the customary exchange of group photographs, symbolizing the continued unity of purpose between the two critical institutions.
