The Governor of Katsina, Aminu Masari, has said it would be difficult for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to identify citizens of Niger Republic resident in the state that have overstayed in Nigeria.
He stated this while expressing support for the NIS’ efforts to identify foreigners overstaying in the country.
Masari said it was high time overstaying foreigners, especially those committing crimes, were identified and deported to their countries of origin.
The governor spoke Monday when he received the Comptroller-General of NIS, Muhammad Babandede in Katsina.
Masari said he was in support of the NIS engaging traditional rulers to identify foreigners in their various localities.
According to the governor, traditional rulers have much more to do in that aspect, and will surely help in identifying those who have overstayed in the country, especially those from neighbouring countries.
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“The great challenge before the comptroller of the immigration in Katsina State is the issue of how to identify the people from Niger Republic.
“It is very difficult, but you have taken the right step by engaging the traditional rulers.
“I think they have more roles to play in this regard, and surely it will help in identifying those that overstayed and have been committing crimes,” he said.
Masari added: “I am sure that the traditional rulers will surely give you all the necessary support, because like you rightly say, a lot depends on them.”