IITA strengthens relations with the Nigerian Immigration Service
Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Dora Amahian receiving a complimentary package from DDG Corporate Services, Hilde Koper.
On a recent visit to CGIAR-IITA, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘F’ of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Dora Amahian, highlighted possible areas of collaboration with the Institute, including crop production on agency land. ACG Amahian led a 9-person team on the courtesy visit to strengthen institutional relations between the two organizations.
The ACG, who was received by Hilde Koper, IITA Deputy Director General, Corporate Services, expressed delight at the amount of research taking place at the Institute. She revealed that she had been unaware of IITA’s work to transform agriculture in Nigeria and the Continent. “I would often drive past IITA but did not know amazing things are going on here; it is impressive,” she said.
Amahian also stated that the immigration service had improved its services, and IITA can now enjoy a wide range of visa options under the recently enacted visa policy.
In her welcome address, Koper appreciated the NIS for supporting IITA over the years and highlighted the Institute’s commitment to upholding all the laws and regulations as required by the agency.
The team embarked on a tour of IITA’s facilities, including visits to the Virology and Food and Nutrition laboratories, the Genetic Resources Center, and the Post-Harvest Utilization unit. During the tour, Amahian said “I am here to maintain the existing relationship but would like to explore the idea of growing some crops on the land we have here in Ibadan. I would like IITA to partner with us,” she said.
The NIS team visited the Cassava processing center at IITA.
