NACC honours Bolanle Austen-Peters with Excellence in Cultural Innovation award

By Editor

THE Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), successfully hosted an International Roundtable on Policy and Governance Reforms in Nigeria’s Immigration and Border Management Sector. The high-level event took place on April 23, 2026, at Legend Hotel Lagos Airport (Curio Collection by Hilton).

During the roundtable, the NACC presented the Excellence in Cultural Innovation and Global Creative Industry Trailblazer Award to award-winning filmmaker, theatre director, and cultural entrepreneur and founder of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters. The award recognises her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative industry and her role in projecting African stories globally.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, delivered the keynote address, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening border security while enhancing operational efficiency. She highlighted the ongoing e-border security project, which has covered over 1,000 kilometres in its first phase, with the second phase already approved by the Federal Executive Council.

Representing Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Adamu announced significant digital reforms, including the reduction of visa processing time from 72 hours to approximately 10 hours through advanced biometric and real-time monitoring systems.

The discussions also referenced global migration trends from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), noting shifting migration routes and the continued need for safer pathways.

Bolanle Austen-Peters expressed gratitude for the recognition, linking cultural innovation to national development and soft power.

The event reinforced the strong connection between effective border governance, economic growth, investment attraction, and cultural diplomacy.

Representative of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Adamu (left); the national president of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun; the award-winning filmmaker and founder, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, during the presentation of award to the filmmaker at the international roundtable meeting held recently by the chamber… in Lagos