The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II) for allegedly soliciting bribes from a traveler.
NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, announced the suspension in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja.
Nandap stated that the officer’s behavior, captured in a viral video on social media, does not align with the professional values and ethics upheld by the NIS. She condemned the misconduct, emphasizing that it undermines ongoing reforms aimed at improving service standards.
The officer has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, following the law and Public Service Rules.
Nandap said, “The NIS has received a video circulating on social media titled ‘This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,’ showing one of our officers soliciting a bribe from a traveler. This disgraceful act does not represent our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy. The officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending disciplinary procedures.”
The NIS is committed to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance policy for corruption, Nandap reiterated.
She also assured that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, aligning with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
Additionally, electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel for passengers and prevent incidents like the one involving the suspended officer.
Nandap urged the public to report any misconduct or corruption by NIS officers to the appropriate authorities. (NAN)