In a defining moment for Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) officially commissioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Headquarters. The ultra-modern complex represents a transformative leap in the country’s quest to secure its borders, combat transnational crimes, and position itself as a leader in technologically advanced security operations.
The state-of-the-art facility has been designed not only as the operational hub for the Nigeria Immigration Service but also as a nerve centre for all paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior. It ushers in a new era where intelligence gathering, storage, and processing occur seamlessly in real-time, addressing critical national security challenges with unparalleled precision and efficiency.
The commissioning of BATTIC is the culmination of 12 months of strategic planning and execution in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises innovation, technological advancement and inter-agency collaboration to address Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
At the heart of the complex lies the vision of a secure nation where borders are fortified, cybercrimes are tackled head-on, and the movement of persons and goods is monitored with cutting-edge technology. The facility is a bold response to the pressing need for modern solutions to longstanding challenges, including insurgencies, smuggling, banditry, and other transnational threats.
BATTIC houses some of the most advanced technological security solutions globally, offering a robust infrastructure to address contemporary and future security needs. Among its key components are:
Data Centre: A colossal facility with 8.3 petabytes of storage capacity, the data centre is poised to become the backbone of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure within the Ministry of Interior. It ensures the seamless integration and management of security data across agencies.
Command and Control Centre: The nerve centre for real-time monitoring and decision-making, this facility leverages the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) to pre-profile every individual entering Nigeria. It enables the flagging of persons of interest at all international airports, enhancing national security at entry points.
Visa Approval Centre (VAC): Streamlining visa processing with advanced biometric and digital solutions, the VAC ensures faster and more secure issuance of visas to travelers.
ECOWAS Biometrics Centre: Dedicated to biometric data management within the sub-region, this facility facilitates enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing among ECOWAS member states, bolstering regional security.
Solar Farm: In line with sustainable development goals, the solar farm provides renewable energy to power the complex, ensuring uninterrupted operations while reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.
Passport Personalisation Centre: Equipped with cutting-edge technology, this centre produces passports with enhanced security features, ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents.
One of the most groundbreaking components of BATTIC is its capability to combat border-related security threats. With Nigeria’s vast and often porous borders, the introduction of advanced surveillance and monitoring systems has been long overdue. The Command and Control Centre’s integration with APIS provides a sophisticated mechanism to track individuals entering and exiting the country, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised entry.
The complex enables authorities to identify, flag and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities, including trafficking, terrorism, and cybercrimes. These measures represent a modern border management Thar ensures that Nigeria remains secure in an increasingly interconnected world.
Inter-agency collaboration for national security
BATTIC is a symbol of inter-agency collaboration. The facility brings together critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s security ecosystem, including the Ministry of Aviation, Department of State Services (DSS), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and National Council on Intelligence Agency (NCIA).
During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, emphasised the importance of these partnerships.
He said the success of BATTIC is a collective achievement made possible by the support and contributions of various government parastatals, technical partners and service chiefs.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries who have played instrumental roles in bringing the project to fruition. Among the distinguished guests were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Abdullahi Ahmad; Minister of Aviation, Dr Festus Keyamo; and the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh.
Also present were the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and service chiefs who lauded the Ministry of Interior for its visionary leadership in advancing national security infrastructure. The Honourable Minister extended his gratitude to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and all team members of the Ministry of Interior for their remarkable contributions to the project.
The commissioning of BATTIC marks a significant milestone in the Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges through innovation, reform and strategic investment. It demonstrates the Tinubu administration’s commitment to creating a secure environment where businesses can thrive, citizens can live without fear, and Nigeria can take its rightful place on the global stage.