AGF Fagbemi, SAN Highlights Key Immigration Reforms At Opening Ceremony Of 2024 Annual NILA Conference [PHOTOS]

At the 2024 Nigerian Immigration Lawyers Association (NILA) Immigration Law & Policy Conference, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing recent strides and ongoing efforts in Nigeria’s immigration law landscape.

Represented by Mrs. Habibat Dangaji, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Fagbemi commended NILA’s dedication to advancing immigration law and policy.

He noted that Nigeria’s evolving immigration framework aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” initiative, focusing on creating an inclusive, secure, and efficient immigration system.

Key achievements highlighted included the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, which expanded the visa categories from six to 79 classes, the introduction of e-Visas, and visa-on-arrival privileges for African Union member states. Additionally, the Revised Handbook on Citizenship Administration introduced new pathways for acquiring Nigerian citizenship, including Citizenship by Investment and Special Immigration Status for foreign men married to Nigerian women.

He praised the Nigeria Immigration Service for significant improvements in passport issuance and border security measures, including the Integrated Border Governance and E-Verification Gates. These initiatives, he said, underscore the administration’s commitment to balancing open access with national security.

Fagbemi also acknowledged that, despite progress, there is room for improvement in the immigration framework and expressed willingness for the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with NILA on future reforms to enhance the legislative framework. He commended NILA’s leadership, especially HRM (Obi) Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, and Prince Ebere Nwokoro, FNILA, for their dedication to advancing immigration law and policy in Nigeria.

The conference, themed “New Realities in the Nigerian Immigration Law and Policy Stratosphere,” provided an opportunity for experts to discuss the challenges and future of immigration policies amid global mobility trends.

See the full text of his speech and pictures from the ceremony below>>>>>>

OPENING SPEECH DELIVERED BY CHIEF LATEEF OLASUNKANMI FAGBEMI

Representative of the HAGF