By Kemo Kanyi
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) of The Gambia has reinforced its collaboration with Gambia Immigration Department (GID) in a bid to promote lawful migration practices among Nigerians residing in the country.
On Tuesday, NIDO officials paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of GID. The meeting described as both symbolic and strategic, focused on enhancing cooperation between the Nigerian community and national immigration authorities, highlighting NIDO’s commitment to ensuring compliance with The Gambia’s immigration laws.
The Director General was represented by Sylayman Kujabi, Acting Operations Commissioner of GID, who reaffirmed the department’s commitment to professional service delivery. He noted that The Gambia continues to uphold ECOWAS protocol on free movement and integration of people urging foreign nationals to respect local laws during their stay.
NIDO President Akah Ottuodoma thanked the GID leadership for the audience and commended the department’s role in safeguarding national security, maintaining border integrity, and managing migration. He emphasizes that NIDO fully respects the sovereignty, laws, and institutions of The Gambia.
Discussions highlighted the importance of awareness on immigration compliance issues some of which may stem from misinformation or unclear procedures. NIDO proposed enhanced sensitization campaigns within the Nigerian community to encourage timely regularization of their status, discourage overstays, and ensure proper documentation.
Work permits, residency status, and business registration were also addressed. The NIDO President underscored the positive contributions of Nigerians in The Gambia as traders, professionals, artisans, and investors, reiterating that NIDO supports only legally registered businesses and law-abiding residents. Compliance, he said, aligns with The Gambia’s broader economic development goals.
Security and crime prevention were central to the discussions. NIDO stresses it does not shield criminal elements and maintains zero tolerance for unlawful activity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to public order, national stability, and peaceful coexistence.
To ensure sustained engagement, the parties discussed establishing designated focal persons and periodic consultative meetings between NIDO and GID. Such collaboration is expected to facilitate information sharing, improved compliance, and strengthen mutual trust.
Other attendees of the meeting included: Mr. F. Colley, Commissioner for Banjul and Commissioner Bubacarr Sanyang of the GID administration all of whom emphasized the importance of law-abiding conduct by foreign nationals.