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Tag: NIS

  • NIS denies report of passport issuance ban in southeast

    NIS denies report of passport issuance ban in southeast

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed reports alleging that the South East region has been disqualified from passport issuance.

    The Service said there is no truth in claims that equipment used for passport processing in the South East had been dismantled and that issuance of the documents had been halted across the region.

    “The NIS categorically states that this report is entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the ongoing government reforms to modernise passport administration,” the Service said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi.

    The Service said, “The reality is that NIS has introduced a phased onboarding system to migrate passport offices including those in foreign missions to a centralized production framework. 

    “This modernization effort, which began in 2024, is designed to enhance the efficiency, integrity and the security of Nigeria’s passport production system and not exclude any citizen.

    “The Service has successfully onboarded passport offices in the North East and North Central states of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, along with 35 international stations spread across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

    “Furthermore, scheduled migration for the five South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo; and five additional international stations (Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and Austria) is currently ongoing within the first quarter of 2026.

    “Consequently, the service has established a strict work-plan calendar to ensure this transition is seamless and does not disrupt delivery timelines as the goal is to drive the process towards greater efficiency.

    “The public is therefore advised to disregard speculative narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension, as the Service continues to implement reforms in the overall national interest. Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence.”

  • NIS inaugurates anti-corruption desk officers nationwide

    NIS inaugurates anti-corruption desk officers nationwide

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Desk Officers nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen institutional integrity and eliminate corrupt practices within the Service.

    The inauguration ceremony, held at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, was attended by representatives of the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and other stakeholders. The officers were administered the oath of office during the event.

    The ACTU Desk Officers were inaugurated under the supervision of the ICPC Chairman, Barrister Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), who was represented by the Director of the System Study and Review Department, Mr Olusegun Adigun.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, warned officers and men of the Service against engaging in corruption or sharp practices at airports, borders, and passport offices, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

    She said the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption remains unchanged and has been further reinforced by ongoing reforms, adding that the initiative underscores the commitment to entrenching a legacy of transparency, accountability, and clean systems within the NIS.

    Nandap described corruption as a threat to national security, economic development, and Nigeria’s global standing, saying that the NIS established the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit to fight all forms of corruption headlong.

    “We are gathered not merely to inaugurate officers, but to entrench a proactive, grassroots architecture for ethical governance through the deployment of ACTU Desk Officers across every formation of the Service.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service stands as a critical sentinel at the nation’s gateways. We are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of Border Governance and Migration Management.

    “This trust confers significant authority—and with it, an uncompromising obligation to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” Mrs Nandap said.

    Mrs Nandap, who said the responsibilities of the officers are contingent upon three pillars of enlightenment, deterrence, and punishment, urged the officers to demonstrate a high sense of courage, integrity, and an uncompromising stance as they would face resistance, isolation, and intimidation while carrying out their duties.

    She said they are to expose corrupt officers irrespective of their ranks, relationships, or status in the Service, stressing that the NIS would give them all necessary support to ensure zero tolerance of corruption and any form of sharp practices within the system.

     To the officers, Mrs Nandap said, “You are ethical champions, standard-bearers, and first responders within your respective formations. Your selection was neither incidental nor symbolic; it followed a rigorous process that prioritized proven integrity, courage, and sound judgment. You now serve as accessible, trusted pillars for promoting transparency and addressing misconduct at its source.”

    She urged Command Comptrollers and Heads of Formations across Nigeria to support the Desk Officers, saying “you must provide an enabling environment that allows them to function without fear, obstruction, or intimidation”.

    “Their mandate is not to undermine command authority, but to reinforce it. See them as partners in building formations defined by credibility and pride,” she added.

    In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Barrister Musa Aliyu (SAN), represented by Mr Adigun, said the ICPC was impressed by the recent developments in the NIS regarding the fight against corruption and sharp practices.

    According to him, when a review of transparency and accountability issues was conducted earlier in 2024 in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the NIS scored 61 percent and attained 126th position out of 323 MDAs.

    He said it was obvious that the current Comptroller-General of the Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, was not happy with the result and decided to change the narratives.

    The ICPC boss explained that upon her appointment and following the pragmatic steps taken against corrupt practices, the 2025 results showed the NIS in 24th position out of 324 MDAs, with a 75 percent score.

    Aliyu said the ICPC was pleased to partner with the NIS and administered the oaths of office to the anti-corruption officers.

    Barrister Aliyu, who also handed over anti-corruption manuals to the NIS Comptroller-General to enable the officers to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and diligently, said ACTU is now a government-recognised platform to address systemic weaknesses, and serve as a strategic instrument to fight all forms of corruption, and ensure transparency and accountability within the system. 

  • NIS delegation tours EIB Group facilities to strengthen security, technology partnership

    NIS delegation tours EIB Group facilities to strengthen security, technology partnership

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, on Tuesday led a high-level delegation of the Service on an inspection tour of facilities operated by EIB Group in Kuje and Idu, Abuja, as part of efforts to explore operational collaboration.

    Mrs Nandap was represented on the tour by a Deputy Comptroller General, Mrs Augusta Obiageli.

    The delegation was received by the Chairman of EIB Group, Dr Bright Echefu, and senior management staff, who took the visitors through the Group’s key operational units and subsidiaries.

    During the tour, the immigration officials were briefed on EIB Stratoc’s security operations and advanced surveillance services, as well as forensic analysis and data-gathering solutions provided by Giga Forensics to support intelligence-led and evidence-based investigations.

    At Briech UAS, the delegation inspected facilities for the manufacturing and deployment of surveillance and payload drones designed for security operations, monitoring and reconnaissance. The visitors also toured Poctova, a Nigerian fashion and protective-wear brand under the Group, which produces ballistic protective gear alongside ready-to-wear clothing.

    The tour further covered Luft TV, EIB Group’s Pay TV platform, where the delegation was introduced to its broadcast infrastructure and premium high-definition content.

    Read Also: Immigration Service rolls out enhanced passport tracking feature 

    Overall, the visit offered the Immigration Service insight into how EIB Group integrates technology, security, manufacturing, and media in support of national development and Nigeria’s security architecture.

    Speaking during the visit, Dr Echefu said the Group remained committed to supporting government institutions through innovation, professionalism, and strategic partnerships, stressing that private sector participation was critical to strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery.

    In her remarks, Mrs Nandap commended EIB Group’s investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, describing the facilities as impressive and reflective of a forward-looking organisation.

    She said the tour demonstrated how private sector initiatives could complement government efforts, particularly in security, technology, and efficient service delivery.

    The visit concluded with interactive sessions between the NIS delegation and EIB Group management, during which both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration and sustained engagement.

  • NIS raises alarm over use of encrypted apps, falsified documents by human traffickers

    NIS raises alarm over use of encrypted apps, falsified documents by human traffickers

    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, on Monday raised concerns over human traffickers and migrant smugglers increasingly using encrypted messaging apps, falsified documents, and other sophisticated methods to evade arrest by security operatives.

    Describing the trend as disturbing and the rise of organised smuggling networks as unacceptable, Nandap said the Service is determined to stay ahead of criminals.

    “Recognising that Nigeria is a key country of origin, transit, and destination, the NIS cannot ignore these developments. They threaten not only human life, but also national security, border integrity, and public safety,” she stated.

    She assured that the Service is committed to dismantling all known smuggling networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

    According to Nandap, the NIS has deployed cutting-edge technologies at the country’s 144 border points and has established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to combat migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

    The Comptroller-General made the remarks at the NIS headquarters in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 edition of the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Day, held in commemoration of International Migrants Day. This year’s theme is “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response.”

    The Comptroller-General who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in Charge of Works and Logistics, Mrs Ada James Umannah, said the Anti-Smuggling Migrants Week would be dedicated to creating awareness, solidarity and renewed commitment to the global fight against the criminal act of smuggling of migrants. 

    The Immigration boss said the theme of the awareness campaigns speaks directly to the pressing issues confronting Nigeria, West Africa, and the world at large, saying all hands should be on the deck to tackle the menace of human trafficking. 

    Nandap said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service is intentional about the choice of this theme because it challenges us not only to acknowledge the dynamics of irregular migration but to deepen our resolve in combating the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals in search of hope.

    “The rise in organized migrant smuggling networks, the use of digital platforms for recruitment and deception, and the proliferation of complex transnational routes have created new layers of danger for migrants.

    “From desert crossings to perilous sea journeys, migrants face unimaginable risks—trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation, violence, and tragic death.

    “We have also observed a disturbing trend where smugglers now operate with increasing sophistication—using encrypted messaging apps, falsifying travel documents, coaching migrants on evasion techniques, and collaborating with criminal groups across borders.”

    While she praised the guidance and support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nandap said the Minister’s approach through a combination of policy reforms, operational measures, technology deployment, and international cooperation has deepen operations of the Service. 

    “We have enhanced surveillance along our land, sea, and air borders, deploying technology-driven solutions such as: the establishment of a cutting-edge Command and Control Centre that mirrors all operational activities of the Service, the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), Advanced Passenger Information Systems(APIS), Passenger Name Records (PNR), e-gates at our International Airports as well as the Huawei-powered e-border solutions deployed at over 144 border locations across the country.  

    “Our partnerships with ECOWAS, AU, IOM, UNODC, ICMPD, FIIAPP, FRONTEX and other global actors continue to enhance capacity-building, data exchange, joint investigations, and safe return programmes,” Nandap asserted. 

    She said the Service would intensify aggressive community and institutional sensitization on dangers of irregular migration since migrants are lured into the act through false promises. 

    “Our awareness campaigns target the youthful population- Youth Corps Members, students of all levels of educational institution, youth associations, transport unions etc.

    “This year alone, over 200,000 Corps Members were sensitized in addition to the widespread outreach of our citizens across the country during the 2025 sensitization campaign program. 

    “Our messages focus on: techniques adopted by smuggling networks, digital recruitment, false job offers abroad, and the need for our citizens to use secure, orderly, and regular migration channels when travelling abroad,” the Immigration boss said. 

  • NIS arrests 90 illegal immigrants in Rivers

    NIS arrests 90 illegal immigrants in Rivers

    The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has apprehended over 90 illegal immigrants in Rivers State.

    ‎The Comptroller of NIS, Rivers State Command, CIS Yabagi Abdulmajeed, made the disclosure when he led his team to pay a courtesy visit to the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Alabraba, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    Anabrabra called on  NIS to effectively implement the recently reviewed Expatriate Administration System (EAS) Policy that comprised the Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme in the state. 

    ‎The SSG noted that the policy was designed to promote knowledge transfer, which he described as significant for local content and economic growth.

    Alabraba said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara would continue to partner and encourage the services of the NIS and sister agencies for national security and benefits of all Rivers residents.

    Read Also: Rivers council chair places N1.5m bounty on alleged land grabber 

    He said: “The Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme was created to improve and grow our local content and personnel. By attaching our people to expatriates, this policy will help us have efficient manpower and seamless technology transfer. Attachees learning the technology from expatriates coming into Nigeria and working here, will also help us to grow our local industry.

    “I encourage you to continue to uphold the good works as Rivers State Government will continue to work towards providing employment and an environment for the economy to thrive, it is also good that on your part, you are helping to develop our own manpower.

    “We will continue to uphold an open-door policy, ready to partner, participate and encourage the service”.

    On the illegal immigrants, CIS Abdulmajeed explained that they were undocumented immigrants fished out by officers in different parts of the state.

    He called on Nigerians to desist from collaborating or hiding such category of persons for the safety of all.

    ‎Abdulmajeed disclosed that NIS had effected many reforms in the visa and passport issuance.

  • EFCC, NIS, NCoS complete deportation of 192 foreign cybercrime convicts in Lagos

    EFCC, NIS, NCoS complete deportation of 192 foreign cybercrime convicts in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has concluded the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos State.

    The exercise, which began on August 15, 2025, marked the final phase of the repatriation of offenders linked to one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated cybercrime crackdowns. The last batch of 51 convicts—comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian—was deported on October 16, 2025.

    According to EFCC sources, the deported convicts were among 759 suspects arrested during a major sting operation on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The operation, conducted based on credible intelligence, targeted a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

    Investigations revealed that the convicts were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi operations, with networks reaching both local and international victims. They were found to have trained Nigerian recruits and managed digital platforms designed to defraud unsuspecting investors.

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    The Federal High Court in Lagos convicted the foreigners on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and fraudulent investment schemes. Following their sentencing, the court directed their deportation in accordance with Nigerian immigration laws.

    The first batch of 42 convicts—mainly Chinese and Filipino nationals—was deported on August 15, 2025. Subsequent batches were flown out between August and mid-October. The final deportation brings to a close a coordinated inter-agency operation led by the EFCC with support from the NIS and NCoS.

    The deported convicts include nationals from China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste.

  • How kidnapped NIS’ officer’s wife was rescued

    How kidnapped NIS’ officer’s wife was rescued

    • I paid N2.5m ransom, says husband

    The wife of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer allegedly kidnapped in Lagos on Monday has regained freedom, The Nation has learnt.

    The woman, Mrs. Ladi Abel, 45, was rescued late on Tuesday at 47, Ogunleye Street, a swampy area of  Ibereko community, Badagry.

    Her rescue occurred barely 24 hours after she was abducted by suspected criminals along the Badagry-Mile 2 expressway.

    According to sources, the woman, who was on her way to the International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, boarded a commercial bus that turned out to be operated by criminals.

    Her daughter, Naomi, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), revealed that the abductors whisked 15 persons away that morning at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, adding that they were drugged by the criminals.

    “When they entered the commercial vehicle, the men blew a white substance on them, which made them unconscious. About 15 of them were taken to their hideout in Ibereko area, and they were taking them out one by one after receiving their ransom.

    “My mother said some of the kidnapped victims in the bus were working for them,” she said.

    The suspected kidnappers contacted the family that Monday through her mobile phone and demanded N7 million before reducing the demand to N3 million by Tuesday morning.

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    But unknown to them, crack detectives of the police command commenced tracking following their call and were able to pinpoint their location.

    It was gathered that around 11pm on Tuesday, a team comprising police and NIS operatives stormed the swampy area where the woman was found.

    The suspected kidnappers were said to have fled the scene, leaving the woman, they earlier refused to release after allegedly collecting N2.5m from her husband, CSI Abel Mada.

    Spokesman for the SEME Border Command of the NIS, Isaac Elijah, confirmed the woman’s rescue, adding that the team deployed for the operation engaged in a house-to-house search.

    “It took the efforts of about 20 immigration officers, 25 Police officers and some good people of Ibereko community to rescue the victim. The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile was in charge of the operation that burst the syndicate in their hideout.

     “But unfortunately, none of them was arrested because they had fled leaving only the victim in their hideout,” he said.

    Narrating the ordeal, the woman’s husband said he sent N2.5 million to the kidnappers who insisted on getting the balance N500,000 before they will release her.

    “When they were shouting on my wife, we first sent N500,000 and later, N2,000,000 in the evening, but they insisted that we have to balance the remaining N500,000 before they release her.

    “I was still looking for the balance N500,000 when I heard that she had been rescued by the police and Immigration around Ibereko swampy area,” he said.

  • FG signs one-year performance contracts with para-military agencies

    FG signs one-year performance contracts with para-military agencies

    The Federal Government on Saturday signed one-year performance contracts with para-military agencies, insisting that they should hit 100 percent goals with on-going reforms. 

    The agencies are the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS). The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, now under the Ministry of Interior signed the performance bound as well. 

    Passports and Visa reforms, Prisons decongestion, reformation of inmates in line with global standards, protection of critical national assets and infrastructures and fire fighting reforms are major issues and challenges being addressed at the moment by the Agencies in line with their respective mandates. 

    The  performance contracts were signed by Prof Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC; Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, Controller General of Corrections, and Commandant General of Federal Fire Service, FFS; Mr Samuel Adeyemi. The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, could not sign for the Immigration as she was outside the country at the moment. 

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who supervised the signing of the performance contracts after a three day retreat at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger state, said the on going reforms in all the agencies must be seen to their logical conclusions with 100 percent grades. 

    “Yes. When we did the last retreat, we were 62 percent. A year after,  the Presidential Performance Assessment Initiative moved us from 62 percent to 85 percent. So now our target is 100 percent. That is why I asked the Permanent Secretary to give me one reason why I need to change a winning team, ” Tunji-Ojo said. 

    The Minister emphasised the need for capacity building for personnel of the para-military Services, saying that capacity building would bring the best out of them and aligned them with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. 

    He urged the Director General of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote to continue the reforms in NIMC to ensure that Nigeria have a solid foundational identity that could be authenticated, verified and free of fraud and abuses.

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    Tunji-Ojo said the reforms in the Nigeria Correctional Service should be carried out to achieve transformation and reformation of inmates, saying that Correctional Centres should no longer be a place for condemnation. 

    The Minister said the agencies should not only make Mr President proud, but leave a legacy of building strong institutions that would stand the test of time after the exit of the current leaders. 

    For the Federal Fire Service, he said:” I told you there’s a lot of work to be done in terms of orientation, in terms of scope of service. By this time next year, I want to see a fire service that will be custodian of emergency medical service. I want to see a fire service that will be liberalized.

    “I want to see a fire service that will allow for private sector participation. I want to see a fire service that will be able to regulate and be able to enumerate the sector. And I want to see a Fire Service that will be judged by the number of assets saved.”

  • Tunji-Ojo decries porous borders, under-funding of NIS

    Tunji-Ojo decries porous borders, under-funding of NIS

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo yesterday blamed the infiltration of Nigeria by foreigners, kidnapping for ransom to fund terrorist activities in other countries on the porous nature of the borders.

    The minister noted that Nigeria is in the same situation the United States (U.S.) was before the September 2011 terrorist attack on World Trade Centre (WTC) with so much information and yet, not knowing what to do with the information.

    He spoke just as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, drew a nexus between activities of some foreigners in the country and the growing insecurity, saying the nation must begin to look into such activities.

    The minister and the EFCC chairman spoke at a Constitution review legislative dialogue on national security organised by the House Committee on constitution review.

    Tunji-Ojo said the nation cannot afford to continue funding the police based on annual budgetary provisions and hope to achieve maximum result.

    He queried the continued existence of some government agencies which he said were created during the military, but no longer relevant, drawing heavily from the national budget, while others are being under-funded.

    The minister acknowledged what he called internal security failure with the incursion of the military into the internal security system of the country, saying there was no reason why the military should be part of the nation’s internal security.

    Read Also: Airlines airlifting passengers without entry visas to be sanctioned – Tunji-Ojo

    He said: “When you look at some of these laws, it is like we set up agencies to fail. If you look at the 2025 Budget, how much do you set for border security? The capital budget for the Nigeria Immigration Service is less than N10 billion and you want to protect over 4024 square kilometre of our border space. Are we joking?

    “We are geographically challenged. Let’s call a spade a spade. If you look at countries that shares similarities with Nigeria… see what they do in border governance, you will be shocked.

    “If you look at country like Turkey, if you look at what they spend, because they know they are between Asia and Europe, they know the challenges and Nigeria is so challenged.

    “In Nigeria, we are in two geographical areas; we have part within the Sahel. And you know what happens within the Sahel. On the other side is the Gulf of Guinea. We are in between – the maritime side, from the Sahel, and anything that happens in all these countries,… the end point is Nigeria.”

    On economic crimes and terrorism financing, Tunji-Ojo said: “Most of what we have in Nigeria today is economic crime. Most of these people come to Nigeria to kidnap, raise funds to be able to fund insecurity in neighborimg countries.

    “So, there is a lot we need to do. If we continue to pay lip service, we don’t really look at the issues on ground, we will just be joking. Again, in reviewing our laws, we can’t deal with insecurity and not talk of terrorism financing. We must look at the EFCC Act and strengthen it.”

    “We must look at the issue of our border. Nigeria is at a point now that the U.S. was before the 9/11 attack. After the attack, the US sat down. They looked at emerging threat.

    “When we talk about internal security, the first thing that comes to mind is the military. That is a sign of failure of our internal security agencies. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. For me, the police in terms of adequate funding, I do not see a reason the police should even rely on budgetary allocation.

    “When you are fighting internal security, you must mobilize your citizens. We must sit down and look at our laws. With the attention we are paying to cyber security, we are still living 20 years behind.  You cannot continue to run cyber security architecture on an ad-hoc arrangement. There must be proper security framework.

    “Let’s look holistically at our challenges; let’s anticipate broadly and look ahead; look at emerging security threats and proffer solutions to them.”

    The EFCC chair, who said that the agency recently arrested about 194 foreigners in one single operation at a single building in Lagos for various offences, added that investigation revealed that about 15 of those arrested were ex-convict from their own countries.

    He said that 50 of those arrested have already been convicted by the court and have started serving their sentences, stressing the need to focus on emerging security challenges, while also amending the nation’s laws to remove operational challenges faced by agencies in carrying out their responsibilities and prosecuting offenders.

    He admitted that the porous borders have opened the gate for many unwanted people to come in at will.

    Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap said the issue of border security was not captured in the Constitution and is left without a distinctive framework and has therefore created a problem for the service.

    She said even though it is critical of national security, it is not captured in the annual budget, adding that it is instructive to know that the security of your neighbour determine how secured you are.

    She said further that the country currently have about 1400 illegal entry points into the country, adding that the country must make deliberate efforts in managing the borders

  • Different strokes: NIS vs FRSC 

    Different strokes: NIS vs FRSC 

    Between the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), it’s a clear case of different strokes.

    This stark difference is from the latest news from FRSC.  It just announced an increase in what applicants for drivers’ licences would pay, in the two categories of three years and five years.

    No, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), under the Interior ministry, is not introducing a new regime of tariffs, no.  The difference is in service response, in which the two camps are poles apart.  It’s as if they are in two separate worlds.  Yet, both are agencies under the same Federal Government of Nigeria.

    It takes an average of three weeks for NIS to push out the Nigerian international passport, after data capture.  With FRSC, it’s another world, in any case, since 2023.

    Before 2023, FRSC managed to push out drivers’ licences some two, three months after data capture — but not since 2023!  Since that year, it would appear its data capture and licence production unit has been struck with some paralysis.

    There are many folks who have paid and done data capture.  Yet, since December 2023, the driver’s licence is yet to materialize.  True: the local offices issue temporary licences, valid for three months or so, subject to re-issue, until the real licence is out.

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    Still, is it not ridiculous?  For instance, if you paid for a three-year licence since 2023; and by 2025, you’re still placed on a temporary licence!  What sort of service is that? 

    Reaching mid-year in the second of your valid three years, and your licence is still in your dreams!  Even if you paid for five years, it’s already near-two years gone!  Again, compare and contrast: NIS — three weeks.  FRSC: more than one year and still counting!  Different strokes!

    Which is why Hardball asks: on what basis are the tariffs being jacked up?  For preening lack of service?  If tariffs must go up because of rising costs, let FRSC match that increase with far better service delivery.

    Yes, even NIS was not always what it is today.  But whatever surgical policies the Interior Minister pressed to achieve the current NIS level of service delivery, the SGF should push the Corps Marshall too wave such “magic wand”.

    The SGF should act today.  Issuing a driver’s licence one year after — or more — is ode to preening public disservice that should never be tolerated.