The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended over 90 illegal immigrants in Rivers State.

?The Comptroller of NIS, Rivers State Command, CIS Yabagi Abdulmajeed, made the disclosure when he led his team to pay a courtesy visit to the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Alabraba, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Alabrabra called on NIS to effectively implement the recently reviewed Expatriate Administration System (EAS) Policy that comprised the Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme in the state.

?The SSG noted that the policy was designed to promote knowledge transfer, which he described as significant for local content and economic growth.

Alabraba said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara would continue to partner and encourage the services of the NIS and sister agencies for national security and benefits of all Rivers residents.

He said: “The Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme was created to improve and grow our local content and personnel. By attaching our people to expatriates, this policy will help us have efficient manpower and seamless technology transfer. Attachees learning the technology from expatriates coming into Nigeria and working here, will also help us to grow our local industry.

“I encourage you to continue to uphold the good works as Rivers State Government will continue to work towards providing employment and an environment for the economy to thrive, it is also good that on your part, you are helping to develop our own manpower.

“We will continue to uphold an open-door policy, ready to partner, participate and encourage the service”.

On the illegal immigrants, CIS Abdulmajeed explained that they were undocumented immigrants fished out by officers in different parts of the state.

He called on Nigerians to desist from collaborating or hiding such category of persons for the safety of all.

?Abdulmajeed disclosed that NIS had effected many reforms in the visa and passport issuance. (The Nation)