Tension mounts within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as senior officers anticipate President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the tenure of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, who is set to retire on October 10, 2024. The President must decide whether to extend her tenure or appoint a new leader for the service.
Nandap, who was appointed as Comptroller General in February 2024, has completed 35 years of service, in line with public service rules that mandate retirement after 60 years of age or 35 years in service, whichever comes first. Nandap joined the NIS on October 10, 1989, and her retirement became effective on October 10, 2024.
This decision comes amid rising concerns among NIS senior officers, following similar cases of controversial promotions and delayed retirements within the service. In one such instance in August, Garba Bello, an Assistant Comptroller General, was promoted post-retirement, sparking discontent among officers who were bypassed for promotion.
Sources reveal that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, holds the authority to recommend a new candidate for Comptroller General. A similar situation occurred under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who extended the tenure of NIS head Jere Idris twice. Officers now await Tinubu’s decision, which could impact future leadership transitions within the NIS.
