The outgoing Minister of Interior, Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has expressed optimism that with the continuous support of the International Community, the Federal Government would tackle all trans-border crimes.
Dambazau made this assertion on Tuesday in Abuja, while handing over the affairs of the ministry to Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
He thanked the staff members of the ministry for their contributions toward the success story of the ministry.
Dambazau said the Federal Government in its efforts to tackle the trans-border challenges, arising from expansive and porous borders, recently approved e-border project for the management and security of the border areas in the country.
“I believe that with the continuous support of international community and the President, all cross border issues will be contained,” he said.
The minister said the ministry under his watch had recorded some laudable achievements, such as the strengthening of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), into a professional Service.
He said Federal Fire Service could now boast of over 40 fire engines, saying “that I believe is good”.
Dambazau said the ministry also recorded successes in other major areas, like in revitalizing the economy, ensuring security and fighting corruption.
“We have raised the bar in transparency,” the outgoing minister said.
He said recruitment into the Services under his watch were done without any challenges, adding ” we sorted out that problem”.
Dambazau said the ministry also carried out rehabilitation of the Nigerian Prison Service facilities across the country.
The minister expressed gratitude to God for witnessing the event and also President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve.
Responding, Ehuriah said that Dambazau had demonstrated a sharp mind that easily grasped the key issues in the myriads of complexities that becloud public polices.
“This is not a surprise, seeing that your intellectual capacity is legendary”.
She said that ministry of Interior had been the major beneficiary of the wealth of experiences and knowledge reservoir Dambazau had carefully cultivated over the years.
The Permanent Secretary lauded the minister for the several innovations he introduced into the Nigerian Immigration Service such that it had become one of the most automated government agencies ” driving virtually by its services online.”
” It was indeed my privilege to serve with you as Permanent Secretary and if given the chance again, I would count it a privilege and honour,” Ehuriah said. ===NAN
