The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to strengthen security, curb illegal migration and promote safer communities across the council area.
Dauda made the pledge on Wednesday while receiving the 28th Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos State Command, Comptroller Christopher Olu Onajinrin, alongside other senior officers of the command, during a courtesy visit to the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adeola Ogunlade, the visit also featured the presentation of an Award of Commendation to the council chairman by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, in recognition of his sustained support for the agency and its operations in Lagos.
Welcoming the delegation, Dauda expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the council and the Immigration Service, noting that his support for the Alausa Passport Office predates his tenure as chairman, having also served as Secretary to the Local Government.
He stressed that effective security requires strong institutional partnerships and assured the Immigration Service of the council’s continued support.
“The local government cannot do it alone. We will continue to collaborate with the Immigration Service to improve security, address illegal migration and serve our people better. We are also ready to consider your request for support to the state headquarters at Alagbon,” Dauda said.
The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to support initiatives that strengthen national security while improving service delivery to residents.
Responding, Comptroller Onajinrin commended Dauda for his unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Immigration Service, recalling the council’s previous interventions, including the provision of office equipment such as air conditioners and chairs, which significantly enhanced operations at the Alausa Passport Office.
According to him, the council’s support contributed to making the passport office one of the best-performing centres in the country.
“There is no way the history of my career will be written without mentioning Ikeja Local Government. Your contributions have greatly enhanced the Passport Office and contributed to making it one of the best-performing offices in the country,” Onajinrin said.
The Comptroller disclosed that the Lagos State Command had repatriated more than 500 illegal immigrants over the past six months as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and enforce the nation’s immigration laws.
He also highlighted recent reforms introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service, including the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card and the e-Visa platform, which enables eligible visitors to apply for and obtain Nigerian visas online within 24 hours.
Onajinrin appealed for sustained support from the Ikeja Local Government and urged residents to volunteer credible information that would assist the service in identifying and apprehending illegal migrants operating within the council area.
The Immigration Comptroller was accompanied on the visit by Assistant Comptroller O.F. Olaiya, Superintendent O. Akintola, Superintendent A.O. Odofin, Superintendent A.B. Allurah and Deputy Superintendent A.O. Agboola.
