NIS Suspends Personnel, Reiterates Zero Tolerance For Corruption

The Nigerian Immigration Service has reiterated its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with the Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.

In lieu of this, the Service has suspended its officer Okpravero Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration 2 who was seen soliciting financial gratification from a traveller on a viral video captioned ” This is how Immigration Officers treat tourists in Nigeria” at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

A statement signed by the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap says the conduct of the officer in the video does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The statement condemns the misconduct in the strongest terms as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the service standard of the NIS.

“This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception and courtesy”.

It assures the public that the NIS will continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

The statement also reminds the public that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all the country’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, particularly Nigerians.

“Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA”.

The statement says the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended, pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.

PR/Nkiru Njemanze