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Tag: Muhammad Babandede

  • New e-passport valid for all countries, NIS chief tells Nigerians

    THE Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, has said the enhanced e-passport is acceptable and valid for entering all countries.

    A statement on Wednesday in Abuja by the NIS spokesman Sunday James, said: “…Babandede will like to reassure the general public that the new enhanced e-Passport is acceptable at all countries.

    “The recent problem on the e-passport with the authority of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) has been resolved and the CGI will like to seize this opportunity to thank the Ambassadors of UAE and Nigeria for resolving the issue.

    “In view of the above, Nigerians are encouraged to get their National Identity Number (NIN) and ensure that the information tallies with the one on their passports.

    “The uniformity of the NIN information and that of the 10-year validity passport is to ensure one identity, which is a major feature of the new enhanced e-passport, and is available in the service headquarters, Abuja and Ikoyi, pending the roll-out in other centres.

    “It is worthy to note that the issuance of the former and the new enhanced e-passports will run concurrently.”

     

  • ‘New international passport integrated with national identity number’

    COMPTROLLER General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has warned personnel against corruption and sharp practices associated with issuance of international passports, resident permits and other documents issued by the immigration service, saying the security featured biometric passport to be rolled out next week will be synchronized with the National Identity Number (NIN) given by the National Identity Management Company (NIMC). He added that names which do not bear same identity with the applicants’ NIN will not be processed henceforth.

    Besides synchronizing the new passport with the NIN, he said the service has also integrated the new passport with the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Babandede disclosed this on Saturday while addressing Officers and Men of NIS formations under Zone A, Lagos, during an interactive session with them. He charged them to avoid aiding and abetting service seekers in the procurement of breeder documents for NIS facilities; noting that doing so is culpable by the Immigration Act 2015.

    Babandede also called on Officers and Men to comply with the Executive Order 01 on Transparency and Ease of Doing Business, stating that NIS as an elite Service must contribute its quota to the economic development of the country through facilitation of corrupt-free atmosphere for Direct Foreign Investment   (DFI). He further stated that Officers must change their attitude towards service delivery saying they must imbibe the principle of “Host-man-ship” which enjoins service providers to treat customers as their guests.

    He encouraged Officers and Men to take advantage of facilities provided by the Service to build their capacity especially on ICT because the Service will soon start conducting e-base Promotion Exercise.

     

  • Passport issuance: Immigration officers are still collecting bribe – Babandede

    The Comptroller General (CG), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, on Friday raised the alarm that some officers are still collecting bribes on passport issuance.

    Babandede, who disclosed this in Abuja during the official decoration of 48 senior officers promoted to the rank of Comptrollers of Immigration, warned officers to shun corrupt practices, adding that anyone caught in the act would be sanctioned.

    He warned against officers using their uniforms and arms to molest anybody.

    Babandede congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and commitment to duty in line with the mandate of the service, especially in furtherance of the Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing buisness.

    The immigration boss, who expressed sadness over the development, said: “I will not promote an officer who has been found collecting bribe? It is not a right for everybody to be promoted.

    “We still have challenges. Officers are still taking bribes on passport issuance. If an officer collects money to get a job for someone, we will dismiss the officer.

    Read Also: Immigration arrests three suspected human traffickers

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has always insisted that we must do our work very well and shun corruption. We must respect human rights. Do not use the uniforms and guns given to you by the government to molest anybody.

    “The elevation of all of you to the rank of Comptroller of Immigration Service is a mark of your dedication and loyalty to the service. It equally comes with a lot of responsibility. Therefore, I want to task you to redouble your efforts to ensure that the statutory responsibilities of the service are achieved and geared towards securing Nigeria against the current myriad of security challenges. We are putting everything in place to ensure that the service makes a very positive impact on the security matrix of the country as well as providing enabling environment for trade and tourism”.

    On the ongoing technology building, Babandede said: “Julius Berger has done well for the technology building. When completed next year June, we shall effectively monitor mobility of our borders. Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigeria is safer.”

    3,413 senior officers of the service between the ranks of Comptroller and Senior Inspector of Immigration were promoted.

     

  • Foreigners not responsible for kidnapping, says Immigration boss

    The Comptroller-General (CG) Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Muhammad Babandede has exonerated foreigners from the spate of kidnapping across the nation.

    He also believes a stronger border will reduce the menace of kidnappings in the country.

    He said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    Babandede, who reacted to the allegation that the kidnappings were carried out by foreigners, said that the act was not carried out majorly by foreigners.

    “The number of foreigners is small when compared to Nigerians. The percentage does not show the majority of kidnappings are done by foreigners.

    “There are a lot of Nigerian criminals and criminal groups. We should not transfer our crime to another territory. It is our problem.

    “There are no kidnappings carried out in the bush (borders). Even when they kidnap, they will come and enjoy the food in the city.

    “They will transfer their money to banks. They will like to drive good cars; the whole idea of kidnapping is the interest of money.

    Read also: Insecurity: Social Workers lament spate of kidnapping, killings in IDPs

    “So we should look at other sectors than looking at foreigners,” he said.

    The comptroller-general, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of e-border for the service to tackle trans-border crimes.

    “We now have the approval to run 88 border stations where we can see what is happening in real time online.

    “There is also technological support for immigration to tackle border crimes in real time online, to add support to the military, customs, among others,” he said.

    He further said the ongoing construction of NIS N7 billion technology building would help put all records into one pool that would be needful to other law enforcement agencies.

  • NIS postpones issuance of new e-passport

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has postponed the issuance of the new 10-year enhanced e-passport till April 29, to enable it finalise the integration of the National Identity Number (NIN) with the new passport.

    Mr Muhammad Babandede, Comptroller-General, NIS, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Sunday James, the Service Public Relations Officer (PRO) on Monday in Abuja.

    The NIS had on Jan. 21, announced that it will begin issuance of the document on March 4.

    According to the statement, consequent upon this, the price of the current passport still remains the same.

    “Applicants are encouraged to visit our websitewww.immigration.gov.ng for further information on fees payable and application process.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new e-passport was officially launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 16.

    Read Also: Former Minister returns to House of Reps

    NAN also reports that the cost of the 32-page five-year standard passport stood at N25, 000, 64-page five-year standard passport, N 35,000, while the 64-page 10-year standard passport cost N70,000 and the 32-page five-year official passport is N15,000.

    The new passport has enormous advantages which include ten year validity, self-tracking application and express centers for urgent application.

    Other advantages include weather friendliness, compliance with latest ICAO standard, poly-carbonate technology that reduces incidence of damage as well saving Nigerians in Diaspora time in hitherto frequent visits to Nigerian Embassies for the document.

    NAN

     

  • Elections: FG closes borders tomorrow

    The Federal Government has announced the closure of all Nigerian land borders with effect from 12:00 noon on Friday, February 22 to 12:00 noon of Sunday, February 24, 2019.

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdrahman Dambazau who gave the order said the development is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days.

    Read Also: FG grants visa free waiver for accredited election observers

    According to a statement issued by the Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede and made available to The Nation: “Further to the Presidential Election taking place on the February, 23, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Interior has directed the closure of all Nigeria Land Borders with effect from 12:00 noon of Friday February 22 to 12:00 noon of Sunday February 24, 2019.

    “This is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days. The public is to take note and ensure compliance.”

  • FG grants visa free waiver for accredited election observers

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) on Thursday approved a visa-free waiver for foreign accredited election observers and monitors.

    The development according to government is due to the rescheduling of the 2019 general elections.

    In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Comptroller General (CG), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, affected individuals and organisations wishing to extend their stay or travel back to their countries and return for the next election are advised to visit Nigeria Immigration Visa Desk at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters.

    The minister emphasised that no fee is to be paid for the process.

    The statement reads in part: ” Sequel the rescheduling of the 2019 general elections to 23rd February and 9th March 2019 and considering the plight of accredited election observers and monitors who were caught-up by the re-scheduled election the Honorable Minister of Interior Lt Gen (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau CFR Phd has approved a visa fee waiver.

    “All affected individuals and organisations wishing to extend their stay or travel back to their countries and return for the next election are advised to visit Nigeria Immigration Visa Desk at the INEC Headquarters.

    “The desk Officers will attend to those requiring extension of their visa issued Gratis (No Fee Charge). This provision became necessary to afford those affected the opportunity to travel out or return without violating the Immigration provisions that relate to entry and exit with valid visa and document. 5All the affected Election Observers and Monitors are to take advantage and note.”

  • Immigration service commences nationwide registration of Foreigners in 2019

    Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service NIS Muhammad Babandede has declared that the service will commence the registration of all foreigners in Nigeria in 2019.

    He said the nationwide exercise was aimed at exposing non-Nigerians who have either over stayed beyond their stipulated period or entered the country through illegal means.

    Babandede stated this on Saturday in Kano at the passing out parade of the first conversion course of 639 officials who were converted from inspector cadre to Assistant Superintendent cadre after ten years in service.

    He said the Immigration will work with the state governors and other stakeholders as well as the general public to ensure that all foreigners in their respective households are compelled to participate in the registration exercise.

    The Comptroller General reiterated that 2019 will be eventful for the service with a number of activities including upgrading of Nigerian passport and extension of its validity period to 10 years, changing the service to an IT driven institution and ensuring efficient service devoiding of corruption.

    According to him,”2019 will be a good year for the lmmigration services. A lot of things are coming in 2019 for the service. ln 2019, we will start registering all non-Nigerians. Anybody who is not a Nigerian citizen must register and this information would be shared to other security services and will be online”.

    On the forthcoming general elections, Babandede, he said that even though election is not the responsibility of the immigration, the service will complement INEC’s  efforts towards refraining non-Nigerians from participating in the polls.

    In her introductory remark, Coordinator of the conversion training course, Mrs Elizabeth Inok, said the 639 officers demonstrated high sence of ethical conduct and they were adequately trained to summount the emerging global migration challenges.

  • Immigration seizes over 700 voter cards from foreigners

    As the 2019 general elections approaches, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has so far retrieved more than 700 voter cards from non-Nigerians, it was learnt on Saturday. 

    The Comptroller-General (CG) of NIS, Muhammad Babandede disclosed this in Abuja at the NIS 2018 end of the year dinner and award presentation.

    Babandede disclosed that the service will be fully involved in the 2019 general elections.

    He vowed that the NIS will make sure that no foreigner will vote during the forthcoming elections. 

    His words: “This year, we have retrieved over 700 voter cards from non-Nigerians. We will be there during elections to ensure that non-Nigerians don’t participate. We will make sure that they don’t vote and they are not voted for. During the election, we will ensure the borders are secured so that nobody can enter the country during the days of election. Immigration service has changed for the better.

    “We have built the capacity of personnel and improved on structures and contributed to Nigeria’s security and prosperity in many ways.”

    On the Ease of Doing Business, the NIS boss said the service had assisted businessmen to get visas as quickly as possible without hurdles adding that: “We have trained so many officers. There has never been a time Nigeria Immigration Service has gotten better structures than now.

    Read Also: Immigration prosecutes three for passport offence

    “The approval of the technology building worth N7.1 billion by President Muhammadu Buhari will serve all law enforcement agencies where we will share such information online with partners. I thank President Buhari for approving the unique project for the NIS. That has never been done since inception in 1958.

    “We became independent in 1963. Since that time, we have not gotten a centre to coordinate all our operations until this year when the President approved the technology building.

    “Julius Berger has already started work on the site. It was launched by the Minister of Interior last week.”

    On ensuring discipline and integrity in the service, Babandede said: “We dismissed many officers, retired many and reduced the rank of some other officers and will will not relent in making sure that our integrity in intact.”

  • NIS: Over 81 thousand foreigners in Nigeria

    … India, China top list 

     

    81, 003 foreigners are currently living in Nigeria, the Comptroller General (CG)  of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) Muhammad Babandede said on Saturday.

    From available statistics, there were 2,694 US Citizens, 3,946 Britons, 17,995 Chinese, 31,660 Indians, 6,295 Lebanese and 1,295 Germans living legally in Nigeria. Also, there were 17,118 foreign nationals from 92 other countries resident in the Country.

    According to a statement issued by the NIS spokesman, Sunday James: “While keeping in line with its statutory mandate as enshrined in Section 2 (a) – (f) of the Immigration Act 2015 as amended, the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, hereby informs the general public that from the month of September, 2018, the Service will give a quarterly report of migrants resident in Nigeria.

    “As at August 31st 2018, the Nigeria Immigration Service has recorded a total of 81,003 non-ECOWAS foreign Nationals legally resident in Nigeria.

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    “Within the same period, 82,084 Visas on Arrival (VoA) were issued at 6 International Airports in Nigeria and a total of 7,570 Temporary Work Permits (TWP) were also issued by the Service.

    “The breakdowns for the TWP are 1,492 issued to Indians, 1171 issued to Chinese, 987 issued to Britons, 1006 issued to South Africans, 641 issued to Italians, 649 issued to Ukranians while a total of 1,624 were issued to other nationals.

    “The Service hereby restate its commitment to safeguarding and protecting Nigerian borders while discharging it’s administrative and operational duties in line with International best practices and respect for the rights of Migrants without compromising National Security.”