The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a firm and unambiguous declaration of zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, and any conduct capable of tarnishing the agency's image. The Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, made this pronouncement during the flag-off ceremony of the service's Fourth Quarterly Nationwide Campaign Against Corruption for Enhanced Service Delivery in Abuja on Friday, December 5, 2025.
A Renewed Pact for Transparency and Efficiency
Nandap asserted that the NIS has established robust mechanisms which have significantly reduced opportunities for corrupt practices and extortion. She left no room for ambiguity, insisting that "Corruption has no place in the Nigerian Immigration Service." The CG explained that the service has consistently worked to fortify its anti-corruption frameworks over the years to guarantee transparency in all operations.
Aligning with this year's campaign theme, 'Innovating for Transparency and Efficiency: Strengthening Service Delivery and Combating Corruption through Reforms,' Nandap stated that the NIS is renewing its collective covenant with the Nigerian people. "We have minimised opportunities for extortion. Service must be transparent, efficient, and accountable as we build a modern and trusted immigration service," she emphasised.
Leveraging Technology to Curb Malpractice
The Comptroller General underscored the NIS's dedication to adopting technological solutions to simplify procedures. She noted that these innovations have resulted in faster processing times and fewer in-person interactions, which historically presented avenues for misconduct.
"Through the expansion of our digital architecture, we've automated passport applications and deployed biometric verification at borders," Nandap detailed. She pointed out a fundamental principle guiding their reforms: "when systems are designed around transparency, efficiency naturally follows."
To improve public engagement, the NIS now operates a 24/7 monitored call centre and active social media channels to swiftly address citizens' complaints. Furthermore, the adoption of digital payment platforms has drastically cut down cash transactions, thereby limiting chances for financial impropriety.
Accountability and Integrity as Core Security Tools
Speaking at the same event, Ramatu Ahmed-Bashir, head of the NIS Accountability and Transparency Unit (ACTU), described the anti-corruption campaign as more than a mere event. She called it "a declaration of who we are and who we must be."
Ahmed-Bashir observed that the battle against corruption is fought with systems, not just words, and stressed that national security is inextricably linked to the NIS's duty to serve with integrity. "Where corruption seeps in, security is compromised. But where integrity is the foundation, service delivery excels, public trust grows, and our nation’s reputation is secured," she stated.
She reminded personnel that as the institution at Nigeria's gateway, every visa issued or passport renewed paints the country's image for the world. "We cannot afford to let that image be blurred by distrust," Ahmed-Bashir insisted, adding positively, "The good news is that we are not just talking about change; we are building it."
The CG, Kemi Nandap, acknowledged that implementing change is challenging and called for sensitive engagement with both government agencies and citizens. "Service delivery for us at NIS is critical. We are here for Nigerians, and we need your input and suggestions on how to serve you better," she appealed.
In a solemn segment, the event featured a moment of silence to honour NIS officers who recently lost their lives in the line of duty. The officers—Munguno, Tuga, and Luma—were killed in Borno, Kebbi, and Niger states during attacks by suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
