Jubilation erupted at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja as officers and personnel welcomed the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an 18-month extension of her service.
Nandap expressed gratitude to the President for renewing her tenure and extending her service, describing the reception organised by personnel at the headquarters as overwhelming and deeply touching.
Addressing the personnel on Tuesday during the reception, she warned officers against corruption and any act capable of compromising the integrity of the service’s processes, insisting that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
She urged officers to prioritise Nigerians seeking immigration services by improving service delivery and customer relations while maintaining strict adherence to security procedures.
“Now, more than ever, we must live up to that image. Do not forget that the bulk of what we do is people-centric. Our service delivery and customer service must always put Nigerians first,” she said.
The Comptroller-General, however, cautioned that putting Nigerians first must not be interpreted as permission to compromise national security.
“But that does not mean we should compromise security. So, please, now more than ever, you must make sure you guard our processes properly and ensure that people are guided correctly,” she added.
Nandap also urged officers to educate applicants on immigration procedures and explain how they could access the service’s offerings, stressing the need for transparency, accountability and professionalism.
“Let them know how the processes work and how they can access our services. Do not compromise the system, because any officer caught in such a situation will face the full wrath of the law. I promise you, and that is not an empty threat,” she warned.
She emphasised that the service must remain committed to efficient service delivery without weakening its security responsibilities.
Expressing her appreciation for the reception, Nandap said she was surprised by the turnout of personnel who lined up to welcome her.
“I was shocked when I came into the headquarters and saw the jubilation, with officers lined up to welcome me. I am overwhelmed,” she said.
“This has touched me from the bottom of my heart,” she added.
PUNCH reports that the 18-month extension provides continuity in the leadership of the service, which is responsible for immigration administration, border management and the enforcement of Nigeria’s immigration laws.
End.
