NIS suspends immigration officer over bribery video

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II), Okpravero Ufuoma, for allegedly requesting a bribe from a traveler.

The Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, announced this information in a statement released by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on August 8, 2024, in Abuja.

She stated that the organization received a social media video titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria.”

The video shows one of its officers soliciting a bribe from a traveler.

However, she clarified that the officer’s behavior does not align with the values and professional ethics upheld by the organization.

She partly stated: “This disgraceful act is not a representation of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.

“As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures.”

Ms. Nandap noted that installing e-gates at international airports aims to ease travel and prevent issues like the suspended officer’s.

“The public is reminded that electronic gates (e-gate) are being installed at all of the country’s international airports…

“To facilitate smoother travel for all passenger’s, particularly Nigerians.

“Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA,” she said.

She further reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to removing corrupt individuals, aligning with its zero-tolerance policy for corruption.

About NIS

The NIS is a government agency responsible for managing and controlling the movement of people into and out of Nigeria.

Established in 1963, it has evolved over the years to meet the challenges of global migration and border management.

Below are key details about the organization:

Border control and management: It is responsible for the control of Nigeria’s borders to prevent illegal entry and exit, and to manage the flow of people across the country’s borders.

Issuance of travel documents: The NIS issues various travel documents, including the Nigerian passport, to citizens.

It also manages other documents like visas and residence permits for foreigners.

Enforcement of immigration laws: The NIS enforces immigration laws in Nigeria, including the arrest, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants.

Residence and work permits: The organization processes and issues residence and work permits to foreign nationals residing and working in Nigeria.

Migration management: It is involved in managing migration, including handling asylum seekers and refugees, in line with international conventions.

Structure of NIS

Comptroller general of immigration: It is headed by the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), who is the highest-ranking officer in the service.

Zonal offices: The NIS has zonal offices across Nigeria, each headed by a Zonal Coordinator who oversees the operations within their zone.

State commands: Each state in Nigeria has an NIS command, headed by a State Comptroller.

Divisions: The organization has divisions for Passport Offices, Border Patrol, and Intelligence, each handling specific immigration aspects.

Key initiatives and programs

E-Passport: The NIS introduced the electronic passport (e-Passport) to enhance the security of Nigerian passports and to meet international standards.

Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS): The NIS uses this system to track and manage migration data at the borders.

Border management strategy: The NIS has implemented various strategies to enhance border security, including the deployment of technology and collaboration with other security agencies.

Challenges

Illegal migration: One of the major challenges facing the NIS is the control of illegal migration, especially across Nigeria’s porous borders.

Corruption: Like many other government agencies in Nigeria, the NIS has faced issues related to corruption, which impacts its efficiency.

Inadequate resources: The NIS sometimes struggles with inadequate resources, including funding and technology, which hampers its operations.

Recent developments

The NIS has been working to digitize its operations to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Recent initiatives include online passport applications and upgrades to the e-Passport system for enhanced security features.

The NIS is vital for Nigeria’s security and economic growth, managing borders and enabling legitimate travel and migration.

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