The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has indefinitely suspended Okpravero Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI II), following allegations of soliciting money from a traveller.
The suspension was announced by NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap in a statement released on Thursday by the service’s spokesman, Kenneth Udo. According to Ms. Nandap, the officer’s actions, which were captured in a video circulating on social media, are a clear violation of the NIS’s values and ethics of professionalism.
She condemned the misconduct, emphasizing that it undermines the ongoing efforts to enhance service standards within the NIS. The officer’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which will be conducted in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
The NIS became aware of the incident through a video titled “This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” which shows the officer soliciting money from a traveller.
“This disgraceful act is not a representation of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy. As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures,” Ms. Nandap stated.
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The Comptroller General reaffirmed the NIS’s commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance policy for corruption. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve service delivery, including the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel and prevent future incidents like this one.
Ms. Nandap encouraged the public to report any misconduct or corruption by NIS officers to the appropriate authorities, as part of the service’s dedication to excellence and the federal government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
