The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deepening ongoing institutional, digital and border management reforms, as newly promoted Controllers and other senior officers were formally decorated in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Nandap said the success of the reform agenda would largely depend on the quality of leadership provided by senior officers, urging those elevated to higher ranks to champion professionalism, accountability and innovation across all commands.
She noted that the reforms, aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, are designed to strengthen national security, enhance service delivery and position the NIS among leading immigration institutions globally.
According to the Comptroller General, promotions within the Service are based on merit, discipline and performance, adding that the officers’ elevation reflects confidence in their integrity, competence and capacity to assume greater responsibilities.
“As senior officers, you are now central to enforcing standards, mentoring younger personnel and ensuring that our reforms translate into measurable outcomes,” she said.
Mrs. Nandap disclosed that the Service is expanding its digital transformation initiatives, including improvements in visa processing, passport issuance and border management systems, to boost efficiency and transparency. She announced the introduction of the Electronic Migration Border Information Centre (EMBIC), aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration at Nigeria’s borders.
She also revealed that the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) would be launched early next year to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC), incorporating biometric and magnetic-based features to prevent abuse and enhance identity verification.
The Comptroller General acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, describing his leadership as pivotal to the momentum of the Service’s reforms, and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing strategic oversight and policy direction.
While congratulating the newly promoted officers, Mrs. Nandap cautioned that elevation comes with higher expectations, stressing that the Service has zero tolerance for indiscipline, inefficiency and unprofessional conduct. She urged officers to remain adaptable in the face of evolving security challenges and to prioritise institutional interests above personal considerations.
The event was attended by senior government officials, heads of sister security agencies, traditional rulers, retired immigration officers and family members, underscoring broad stakeholder support for the NIS reform drive.
