By Ibironke Ariyo
The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s migration reforms and border management initiatives.
Mr Ronald Sonnemans, Charge D’Affaires, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abuja, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja, during the official handover ceremony of equipment donated to the Hostmanship Unit of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Sonnemans cited visible improvements in professionalism, service delivery and institutional transformation within the NIS.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding migration cooperation between Nigeria and the Netherlands, particularly between the NIS and the Dutch Repatriation and Departure Service in the area of migration management and the return of Nigerian nationals.
According to him, the cooperation is highly regarded by the Dutch Government, which remains appreciative of the productive relationship with Nigeria.
“The cooperation with Nigeria is seen in the Netherlands, and my government really knows how well we cooperate with you.”
He commended the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and officers of the service for their dedication to strengthening the partnership and advancing institutional reforms within the NIS.
Sonnemans noted that the hostmanship mindset had taken deep roots within the service, adding that the impact of the initiative was evident in the conduct and professionalism of Immigration officers at Nigeria’s airports.
Drawing from his personal experience, he said officers who processed his diplomatic passport frequently informed him that they had undergone hostmanship training, reflecting the programme’s successful implementation.
“I can see a big difference in the conduct of immigration officers,” he said.
The charge d’affaires also expressed satisfaction with the continuation of the Mobile Team Project following its initial inception phase, noting that the initiative would further professionalise Nigeria’s border management responsibilities.
He commended the role played by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in supporting the project and advancing migration management objectives between both countries.
Sonnemans reaffirmed the commitment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to sustaining its partnership with Nigeria in the area of migration cooperation.
“The Netherlands will stay committed to partner with Nigeria in migration cooperation as we have done and will keep on doing in the future,” he reassured.
The Dutch envoy wished the NIS success in its ongoing institutional reforms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing migration management and border administration in Nigeria.
Earlier, Mr JanWillem König, Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors, Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V), Ministry of Justice and Security, said the relationship between Nigeria and Netherlands remained one of the strongest examples of international cooperation in addressing migration-related challenges.
König said the fight against irregular migration, including human smuggling, remained a shared challenge for Nigeria, the Netherlands and the international community, requiring sustained collaboration among nations.
He noted that addressing the challenge was in the collective global interest of all especially in preventing the human tragedies often associated with irregular migration.
“Our services have important tasks such as the fight against irregular migration, including human smuggling. It is not only a challenge for my country, the Netherlands, Europe and Nigeria. Addressing it is in our global mutual interest,” he said.
König stressed that partnership remained critical to achieving sustainable solutions to migration challenges.
He also announced that a unique leadership programme for senior officers of the NIS would be inaugurated in September and delivered by experts from the Netherlands.
According to him, the programme underscores the Dutch government’s confidence in the NIS leadership and commitment to institutional excellence.
König expressed appreciation to Nandap for her unwavering support, trust and dedication to promoting the hostmanship mindset across the service, noting that her leadership had been instrumental to the success of the initiative.
“Without your continued support and commitment, none of this would have been possible. There is no better demonstration of success than today’s ceremony,” he said.
In her remarks, the NIS CG said the partnership between both countries demonstrated that lasting institutional transformation was possible when nations collaborated with sincerity and purpose.
She thanked the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and all stakeholders for their steadfast support.
She also reaffirmed the commitment of the NIS to sustaining reforms that place professionalism, innovation and excellence at the centre of its operations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker