By Muhammad Auwal Suleiman
The former Controller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has called for the establishment of a strong regional institution to tackle rising insecurity across West Africa.
Babandede said the proposed alliance would create a platform for heads of immigration services in the subregion to communicate freely, share intelligence, and coordinate efforts in addressing cross-border threats.
He made the call while discussing a paper presented by Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma on “The ECOWAS and Regional Peace in West Africa: The Security and Economic Implications for Nigeria,” stressing the urgent need for deeper collaboration within ECOWAS.
According to him, the absence of strong institutional linkages among immigration authorities has continued to undermine efforts to combat transnational crimes and insecurity in the region.
The discussion took place during the 24th Annual Symposium marking the 43rd Memorial Anniversary of Aminu Kano, held at Mambayya House on April 17, 2026.
Participants at the event noted that sustainable peace and economic growth in West Africa depend largely on coordinated security frameworks and stronger regional institutions.
