The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, on Saturday said ECOWAS would set up a Migration Academy in Tugga, Kebbi State, to train immigration officers in the sub-region.

Babandede disclosed this in Kano on Saturday at the Passing out Parade of three hundred and ninety-six cadets of the 44th Superintendent basic Course in Kano.‎

He said that the decision to establish the institution was taken at a meeting of ECOWAS Heads of Immigration held in Abuja in 2017 adding that the academy, when established, would help in training officers ‎and border security personnel within the sub-region.

Babandede said the institution would also strengthen collaboration between immigration officers and border security personnel within the sub-region and ‎would help officers to learn French to enhance regional corporation and strengthen the capacity of the personnel.

‎He said that NIS gathered thirty Professors at the Command and Staff College, Sokoto, to develop new and responsive training curricula for the training institutions.

The comptroller said the service would intensify efforts at the ongoing reforms on operational activities and staff welfare.‎

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, said the event represented a sincere demonstration of government commitment to strengthen national security architecture and gainful employment, as he enjoined the graduands to remain guided by the training they have received as well as by the agencies rules of engagement in their conduct.

The Comptroller-General, Ghana Immigration, Mr. Kwame Takyi, said Ghana would continue to support the academy, adding that it was ready to partner other ECOWAS heads to make the dream a reality.

The commandant of the training school, ‎Mr. Richard Adegoke, thanked the Babandede for providing an enabling environment for the cadets.