The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated disciplinary action against 80 officers and personnel for unlawfully collecting fees for passport issuance and renewal. In addition, eight officers have been dismissed for the same offence in the past year.
Comptroller of Immigration and NIS Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Tony Akuneme, stated that the move was part of the three-point plan of the current Comptroller General (CG), Isah Jere, which included reforming passport issuance, strengthening border security and enhancing NIS officers’ welfare.
He noted that Jere’s efforts had made it possible for most applicants to apply for passports online, thereby eliminating the need for third parties or agents. However, he expressed concern that despite the reforms, some individuals still resorted to using third parties for passport processing.
“And one thing they don’t understand is that third parties don’t have an idea of the information entered into your application. This can result in somebody having issues with his/her National Identification Number (NIN),” he said.
The NIS spokesman said that the CG has vowed to discipline officers who go out of their way to try to either engage or sabotage the reform process.
“We have continued to punish NIS officer and men who try to assist people for a fee. You can assist people genuinely but not extorting from them.
“We are committed to curbing corruption and other illicit acts in the service. You will appreciate the fact that if nothing else, the level of awareness has increased in the last few months.
“Don’t patronise agents, fill your forms yourself. We have officers watching and these agents know they are being watched. When they take money from you, tell us. If we don’t take action, tell the world,” he said.
-NAN
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead... 