NIS Suspends Officer Seeking Bribe From Traveller

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken the step of suspending Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, Okpravero Ufuoma.

The individual was suspended over allegations of soliciting money from a traveller.

Confirming the development, NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, through a statement released by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja, emphasized that the officer’s actions, which were recorded in a video that has been widely shared on social media, do not align with the professional values and ethics that the NIS upholds.

She expressed her disapproval of the alleged behaviour, noting that it poses a threat to the ongoing reforms designed to improve service quality.

Furthermore, she reassured the public that the officer has been suspended indefinitely while disciplinary procedures are underway, in accordance with legal and Public Service Rules.

The NIS has acknowledged the circulation of a video titled “This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” which depicts one of its officers soliciting financial rewards from a traveller.

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

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

The NIS boss reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to identifying and eliminating corrupt practices within its workforce, consistent with its strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

The comptroller general further emphasized the NIS’s commitment to achieving excellence in service delivery, in support of the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Nandap also mentioned that electronic gates (e-gates) are being implemented at all international airports to enhance passenger travel experiences and to mitigate incidents similar to that involving the suspended officer.

She encouraged the public to report any misconduct or corruption by NIS officers to the relevant authorities.