President Tinubu grants 18‑month extensions to heads of Nigeria’s Correctional and Immigration Services

Extension approved President Bola Tinubu announced an 18‑month extension for the leaders of two key security agencies. Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Controller‑General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, will now serve until 26 May 2028, while Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Comptroller‑General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, will remain in office until 30 June 2028. The decision was communicated in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and follows a recommendation from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo.

Reasoning behind the move According to the statement, the extensions are intended to bridge succession gaps in both services and give the respective boards sufficient time to identify and appoint suitable successors. The President also praised both officials for the reforms achieved under their leadership and urged them to consolidate those gains.

Background of the officials Nwakuche was first nominated by President Tinubu in December 2024 and confirmed by the Senate in March 2025. He initially assumed the role of acting Controller‑General on 15 December 2024, succeeding Haliru Nababa, before being formally appointed. Nandap was nominated on 21 February 2024 and confirmed on 1 March 2024. She completed 35 years of public service on 9 October 2024 and was due to retire, but received a 16‑month extension in March 2025 that ran until the end of 2026. The recent approval marks her second tenure extension.

Implications The extensions provide continuity in leadership for the Correctional Service and Immigration Service at a time when both agencies are undergoing reform initiatives. By allowing additional time for the appointment of successors, the government aims to avoid disruptions that could arise from abrupt leadership changes. Observers note that the move underscores the administration’s focus on stability within critical security institutions.

Outlook The extended terms will run into mid‑2028, after which the boards of both agencies are expected to present new candidates for permanent appointment. The President’s emphasis on consolidating reforms suggests that further policy adjustments may be pursued within the correctional and immigration sectors before the next leadership transition.