Nigeria Immigration chief warns staff of corruption, pledges sanctions after tenure extension

Leadership renewal and anti‑corruption warning The head of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Comptroller‑General Kemi Nandap, addressed staff at the agency’s Abuja headquarters following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an 18‑month extension to her term. In the speech, she warned that any officer found engaging in corrupt practices or misusing official procedures would face the full force of the law, according to reports from AllAfrica and Daily Trust.

Emphasis on service quality and security Nandap highlighted the need for the service to be people‑centred, urging personnel to improve the efficiency and courtesy of immigration services for Nigerian applicants. She stressed that enhancements in customer relations must not undermine national security, and called on officers to safeguard processes while guiding applicants clearly through immigration procedures.

Call for transparency and professionalism The Comptroller‑General reiterated that the agency should uphold transparency, accountability and professionalism. She warned that actions compromising the integrity of the service would be unacceptable, and promised that any breach would be met with strict legal consequences.

Reception and morale boost The address was delivered during a reception organised by staff to welcome Nandap after the presidential endorsement of her continued leadership. She expressed surprise and appreciation at the large turnout of officers who lined up to greet her, noting the positive morale among the workforce.

Implications for the immigration sector By linking anti‑corruption measures with a push for better service delivery, Nandap signalled a dual focus on restoring public confidence and maintaining security standards. The statements suggest that the agency will likely implement stricter oversight mechanisms and training programmes to ensure compliance with the new directives.

Outlook Observers will watch how the Nigeria Immigration Service translates these warnings into concrete policies. The emphasis on both integrity and efficiency indicates a strategic effort to improve the agency’s reputation while deterring misconduct among its ranks.