FG charges newly promoted immigration officers on vigilance, professionalism

The Federal Government has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism and integrity in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), gave the charge on Monday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of 46 newly promoted Comptrollers of Immigration.

Speaking at the event, Nandap reminded the officers that promotion in a disciplined service such as the NIS is neither automatic nor based solely on years of service, stressing that advancement is earned through sustained dedication, professional competence, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.

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She noted that the decoration symbolised the trust reposed in the officers and carried with it higher expectations of leadership, sound judgment, accountability and exemplary conduct.

“At this advanced stage of your careers, professional competence must be matched with strong leadership attributes.

“Your roles now require clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy and the ability to mentor and inspire others”, she said.

Against the backdrop of the nation’s security challenges, the CGIS urged the newly promoted officers to remain vigilant and resolute in confronting multifaceted threats confronting the country.

“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain unrelenting in our duties. Your actions will set the tone, and your conduct will continue to reflect the core values and reputation of this service,” Nandap stated.

She paid tribute to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security, noting that the ongoing transformation within the NIS is driven by the administration’s resolve to strengthen security institutions.

Nandap also commended Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, for providing strategic direction and oversight, which she said had helped to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service.

She warned that the Service would not tolerate indolence or unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging security and migration challenges, and always place the interest of the Service above personal considerations.

While congratulating the promoted officers, the CGIS acknowledged the sacrifices of their families, describing their patience, encouragement and understanding as critical to the officers’ professional journeys.

She also encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain steadfast and committed.

“There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard, and your time will come,” she said.

Highlighting ongoing reforms within the NIS, Nandap referenced improvements in visa and passport processes, the introduction of contactless solutions, the deployment of the EMBIC system, and the forthcoming STEP initiative, a biometric-based Single Travel Emergency Passport expected to replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate by 2026.

“We cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball. This administration is focused on reforms and transformation, and you are the drivers of these reforms,” she said, adding that the Service remains committed to strengthening operational efficiency as Nigeria prepares for a more reform-driven 2026.

Out of the 46 officers promoted from Deputy Comptrollers of Immigration to Comptrollers of Immigration, one was reported to have passed away, while seven had already retired before the release of the promotion results.