Strict Immigration Chief Suspends Misconducting Officer

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed one of its officers on indefinite suspension, Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport MMIA, Lagos for soliciting financial gratification.

This follows just three weeks after the strict Comptroller General of Immigration Service CGIS Kemi Nandap, also suspended another staff member at MMIA, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, over multiple charges of alleged drug trafficking.

Nandap who has vowed to continue to clean the augean stable until she delivers a near-perfect Service to Nigerians said in a statement on Thursday that the Service had received a video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” in which one of its officers is seen soliciting financial gratification from a traveler.

“We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS”, said Nandap.

Noting that the NIS condemns the misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing its service standards, the Immigration boss said “this disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy”.

“The public is reminded that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all of the country’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, particularly Nigerians. Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving Okpravero C. Ufuoma.

“As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.

“The NIS reiterates its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with our Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.

“We assure the public that the NIS will continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration”, the CGIS stated.