Reject Corruption, Deliver Results, NIS Boss Charges Newly Promoted 106 Comptrollers

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nana Nandap, has charged newly promoted 106 Comptrollers of Immigration to reject but demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, abuse of office and indiscipline, while delivering measurable results in their respective commands.

Nandap gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted 106 senior officers , where she described their elevation as not just a recognition of past achievements but a call to greater leadership, responsibility and accountability.

A total of 106 officers were promoted to the rank of Comptroller of Immigration ( CI) with 94 present at the ceremony, while 12 had retired before the promotion results were released.

Congratulating the newly decorated officers, the Comptroller-General said their promotion represented recognition of their years of service, experience, sacrifices and contributions to the Service.

She, however, reminded them that promotion was not merely a reward for past accomplishments but a declaration of confidence in their ability to take on greater responsibilities.

“Promotion is not simply a reward for what you have accomplished. It is a declaration of confidence in what you are now expected to do,” Nandap said.

She added that the new rank came with greater expectations, noting that it was “a greater burden of trust, a higher standard of conduct and a solemn responsibility to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Nandap urged the officers to move beyond routine administration and demonstrate the capacity to interpret policies, exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, inspire personnel and translate strategic objectives into measurable operational results.

According to her, the Service needs effective leaders who understand that command is a responsibility to be discharged rather than a privilege to be enjoyed.

“The Service does not simply need more senior officers. It needs more effective leaders,” she declared.

She emphasised that leadership would be measured not by the size of an officer’s office or the number of personnel under their command, but by the discipline of their personnel, operational effectiveness, integrity of decisions and public confidence in the Service.

The NIS boss also highlighted the ongoing institutional reforms aimed at modernising the Service, strengthening national security, improving migration management and enhancing service delivery.

She listed initiatives such as the e-Border Solution, Border Control and Immigration Management System (BCIMS), Advance Passenger Information (API), Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems and e-Gates as key components of the Service’s digital transformation agenda.

She stressed, however, that technology alone could not guarantee institutional transformation without effective leadership, discipline, accurate information and accountability.

“Our technology, no matter how sophisticated, cannot compensate for weak leadership, poor information, indiscipline or the lack of accountability,” she stated.

Nandap therefore charged the newly promoted Comptrollers to ensure that the reforms were effectively implemented across commands, border posts, airports and other operational formations.

She further called on them to protect the integrity and reputation of the Service, warning that corruption, extortion, professional negligence and abuse of office would not be tolerated.

“Corruption, extortion, abuse of office, professional negligence and indiscipline have no place in the Nigerian Immigration Service we are building,” she warned.

She added, “You cannot demand integrity from your subordinates while compromising your own principles. You cannot insist on discipline while tolerating misconduct.”

The Comptroller-General also underscored the importance of balancing national security responsibilities with humane and professional service delivery, urging officers to treat members of the public with dignity, fairness and respect.

She encouraged the new Comptrollers to mentor their subordinates, develop their capabilities, recognise excellence, correct misconduct fairly and create an environment where professionalism and innovation thrive.

Outlining five non-negotiable expectations, Nandap charged the officers to lead by example, deliver measurable results, protect the integrity of the Service, embrace innovation and institutional reforms, and develop competent, motivated and disciplined personnel.

She urged them to return to their new assignments with renewed determination, proactive leadership and the courage to address operational weaknesses without waiting for directives from the headquarters.

In his goodwill message, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service in tackling security challenges and protecting the country.

He noted that information sharing between the two agencies was critical to national security and the protection of citizens.

“When the Nigerian Immigration Service shares information with other security agencies, it entails our national security and protecting our citizens,” the IGP stated.

He observed that the mandates of the two security institutions were interconnected, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration and intelligence sharing in strengthening security operations.

“Our mandates are interconnected, and our collective efforts in designing sustainable collaboration and intelligence sharing have supported and strengthened inter-agency operations,” he said.

The police chief reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening the partnership, adding that cooperation among security agencies remained essential to achieving greater national security.

“I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen this continual partnership for greater security of our country,” he said.

Congratulating the newly promoted Comptrollers, the IGP urged them to embrace integrity, discipline and humility in the discharge of their new responsibilities.

“As you assume your new ranks and responsibilities, I encourage you to continue to lead with integrity, discipline, humility and an increased sense of substance. May you justify the confidence reposed in you and inspire officers and men under your command to greater accomplishments,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to the families of the newly promoted officers, acknowledging the sacrifices, patience, prayers and support of their spouses and loved ones in contributing to their career achievements.

He wished the officers greater success in their careers, good health and God’s continued guidance and protection.