Immigration Service Decorates 106 Newly Promoted Comptrollers With New Ranks

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has decorated 106 newly promoted Comptrollers of Immigration (CI) with their new ranks.

The event, which was held at the Headquarters of the NIS in Abuja, was attended by the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunde Disu, and representatives of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi.

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Nandap, charged the newly decorated senior officers to ensure that the ongoing reforms and investment in the Service translated into stronger border security, effective and efficient processes, improved intelligence coordination, and increased public confidence.

Nandap warned the newly decorated Controllers against corruption, extortion, abuse of office, professional negligence, and indiscipline. She urged them to be vigilant, resilient and accountable in their commitment to service delivery.

Highlighting the significance of their promotions, Nandap said the officers should exercise significant authority in matters relating to national security, international travel, migration, and the lives of individuals who interact with the NIS.

She described the promotion as a celebration of professional achievement, dedication, perseverance, and the rewards of faithful service to the nation.

She said: “Such authority must never be abused. Let me therefore state unambiguously that corruption, extortion, abuse of office, professional negligence, and indiscipline have no place in the Nigerian immigration service we have built here.

“I expect every controller to demonstrate zero tolerance for misconduct, and to ensure that officers follow their supervision and understand the consequences of violating established standards.

“You cannot demand integrity from your subordinates while compromising your own principles. You cannot insist on discipline while tolerating misconduct. And you definitely cannot expect full confidence where accountability is absent. Leadership begins with personal example.

“I therefore charge you to uphold the highest standards of honesty, fairness, transparency, and professional conduct. Let your commands be known for efficiency rather than excuses.”

Speaking on the reforms in the Service, Nandap charged officers to ensure the reforms are not merely understood at headquarters, but effectively implemented across commands, border posts, airports, and all operational formations.

“You must take ownership of the systems entrusted to your formations. You must ensure that officers are properly trained. You must identify operational weaknesses and insist on measurable improvements.

“Our investments must translate into stronger border security, more efficient immigration processes, improved intelligence coordination, better child life experiences, and increased public confidence.

“There is another responsibility that I consider fundamental to your new roles, and that is the responsibility to protect the integrity and reputation of the Nigerian immigration service,” she said.

“You must demonstrate the capacity to interpret policies, exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, inspire personnel, and translate strategic objectives into measurable operational results. You must move from managing activities to delivering outcomes.

“From exercising authority to demonstrating leadership. From occupying positions to making meaningful institutional impacts.

“The Service does not simply need more senior officers. It needs more effective leaders. Leaders who understand that a command is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be discharged,” Nandap added.

In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, described the mandates of the Police and NIS as “interconnected”.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthen continental partnerships for greater security in Nigeria.

“As you assume your new ranks and responsibilities, I encourage you to continue to lead with integrity, discipline, humility, and increased sense of substance.

“May you justify the confidence reposed in you and inspire officers and men under your command to greater accomplishment,” IGP Disu said.