NBA Birnin Kebbi Branch Visits Kebbi State Immigration Command for Collaboration

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Birnin Kebbi Branch in Kebbi State has sought a strong collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in the state. This development was made public by the Birnin Kebbi NBA chairman, Barrister Aminu Hassan, during a courtesy visit to the NIS command comptroller, Bashar Muhammad Lawal, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Barrister Hassan emphasized that the aim of the visit was to strengthen the long-existing relationship between the NBA and NIS in the state, with the ultimate goal of achieving a common objective. He highlighted the importance of a strong relationship between the two organizations, citing a recent experience where members of the state NBA had a hitch-free journey through the Kamba border to Lagos and another journey through the Tsamiya border to Lagos.

Barrister Hassan expressed gratitude to the NIS for their assistance during the journey, particularly when they were alerted to an expired travel document. He praised the cordial working relationship between the NBA and NIS, which facilitated a smooth resolution of the issue.

The NBA chairman also requested that the NIS permit their legal officer to be identified with NBA members, as this would foster a sense of representation and collaboration between the two organizations.

In response, the state comptroller, Bashar Muhammad Lawal, expressed delight at the visit and assured the NBA leadership that his office doors are always open for assistance or collaboration. He noted that the visit was timely, given the need for a legal framework to address the issue of the Republic of Niger and other countries announcing their exit from the ECOWAS Union, while their nationals continue to live in Nigerian territory and engage in inter-border crossing.

Comptroller Lawal emphasized that the NIS and NBA are working towards a common goal and are, therefore, one family. He promised to send the legal officer of the command to the NBA via a formal introduction letter immediately after his return from leave.