Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on all security agencies in the state to join hands with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties of the citizenry.

Prince Abiodun made the call on Tuesday while receiving in audience, the new Comptroller, NIS, Ogun State command, Comptroller Grace Adeoye.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele noted that the NIS, as the gatekeepers of the nation’s borders, preventing the inflow of dangerous weapons, amongst others, needs the support of other sister security agencies for it to succeed in its avowed constitutional responsibilities.

Prince Abiodun noted that it has become imperative to ensure peaceful co-existence with the NIS, considering that Ogun State is the gateway to Nigeria from the west, with its borders with the neighbouring Republic of Benin.

He pledged the continued support of his administration for the constitutional duties of the NIS in the State.

Abiodun, while appreciating the outgoing Comptroller, Mrs Olufunmilayo Bosede for her good work in the state, charged the new NIS boss to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor, assuring her of the same cooperation.

Speaking earlier, Mrs Grace Adeoye appreciated the state government for the warm welcome, even as she promised to ensure that the operations of the NIS were topnotch in the state during her tenure.

She called for support from the state government and other security agencies in the state, the same as accorded to her predecessor.

Giving a record of her stewardship, the outgoing Comptroller appreciated the support of the state government and heads of other security agencies during her tenure in the State.

She recalled that immediately she assumed office, three repatriations were made, all the backlogs of passports cleared, while there was improvement in border security to reduce transborder crimes.

She noted that more attention was now being paid to border security, including the introduction of e-border solutions, with the utilisation of technology to solve border problems, while officers are being motivated to eschew corruption.