(Ecofin Agency) - In Niger, a new headquarters will soon be built for the directorate in charge of border control, immigration and ID management  (DST). The foundation stone of this headquarters was laid on April 17 by the minister of interior Mohamed Bazoum in the presence of the US ambassador to Niamey Eric P. Whitaker and the head of IOM in Niger Martin Wyss.

The infrastructure for which the US state department provided XOF1.5 billion will be better equipped and modern. It is the focal point of Niger’s security amid fights against illegal migration and terrorist threats, cross-border crime and all kinds of illicit trafficking.

Eric P. Whitaker indicated that to address these challenges, the DST’s role as an agency facilitating migration management while securing borders is essential and unique.  

The US official also added that the work setting of this infrastructure would concur to the improvement of DST’s daily activities that are to perform sovereign state tasks and keep a harmonious environment for visitors.

The new headquarters will span over more than one hectare. It will host sixty equipped offices and a meeting room.

The DST will also be granted legal and IT support while regional cooperation with G5 Sahel border securities will be strengthened.