The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken swift action against an officer implicated in an incident that has sparked widespread public concern. Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II), Okpravero Ufuoma, has been indefinitely suspended for allegedly seeking financial gratification from a traveler. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has drawn significant attention and criticism, both within Nigeria and beyond.
In an official statement, Kenneth Udo, the spokesperson for the NIS, emphasized that the officer’s conduct, as depicted in the video, is not reflective of the core values and ethical standards that the Service upholds.
The video, which has circulated under the caption ‘This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,’ has generated considerable outrage, with many calling for accountability and stricter measures to prevent such misconduct in the future.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, did not mince words in her response to the situation. She condemned the alleged misconduct in the strongest possible terms, describing it as a serious breach of the trust and integrity that the NIS strives to maintain.
According to Nandap, the officer’s behavior undermines the ongoing efforts to reform the Service and enhance its standards, particularly in areas of customer service and professionalism.
Nandap further assured the public that the NIS is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct among its officers. She confirmed that the officer in question has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which will be carried out in strict accordance with the law and the Public Service Rules.
The Comptroller General stressed that the actions of one officer should not be seen as representative of the entire Service. She reiterated that the NIS is dedicated to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all travelers, in line with Nigeria’s broader commitment to hospitality and courtesy.
This incident has also reignited discussions about the need for continuous training and stricter oversight within the NIS to ensure that all officers adhere to the principles of professionalism and integrity.
The Service’s leadership has expressed a strong determination to address any lapses in conduct and to implement measures that will prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability within public service institutions. The NIS’s response indicates a clear recognition of the need to maintain public trust and to ensure that all officers conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of the Service and the country as a whole.
The public will be closely watching how this case is handled, as it could have significant implications for the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.
