Jubilation erupted at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja as officers and personnel welcomed the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an 18-month extension of her service.

Nandap, while addressing the personnel during the reception, warned officers against corruption and any act capable of compromising the integrity of the service’s processes, insisting that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The Presidency announced the extension on Monday, October 19, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The statement said the approval followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address a succession gap in the Nigeria Immigration Service and give the board sufficient time to appoint successors.

Under the new arrangement, Nandap’s tenure will end on June 30, 2028.

The latest approval is Nandap’s second tenure extension since she became Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

President Tinubu nominated her for the position on February 21, 2024, and the Senate confirmed her appointment on March 1, 2024. In March 2025, the President approved an earlier extension that moved her tenure beyond its initial August 31, 2025, end date to December 31, 2026.

The development was greeted with excitement at the service’s headquarters, where personnel lined up to welcome her.

Expressing gratitude to the President for the approval, Nandap described the reception organised by officers and personnel as overwhelming and deeply touching.

She, however, used the occasion to warn officers against corruption, stressing that the extension of her tenure would not diminish the service’s commitment to discipline, accountability and professionalism.

“Now, more than ever, we must live up to that image. Do not forget that the bulk of what we do is people-centric. Our service delivery and customer service must always put Nigerians first,” she said.

The Comptroller-General urged officers to improve service delivery and relations with applicants, adding that Nigerians seeking immigration services should receive proper guidance on the procedures and requirements for accessing the service’s offerings.

She cautioned, however, that prioritising citizens’ needs must not come at the expense of national security.

“But that does not mean we should compromise security. So, please, now more than ever, you must make sure you guard our processes properly and ensure that people are guided correctly,” she added.

Nandap also charged personnel to ensure transparency in the handling of immigration applications, warning against exploiting applicants or manipulating official procedures for personal gain.

“Let them know how the processes work and how they can access our services. Do not compromise the system, because any officer caught in such a situation will face the full wrath of the law. I promise you, and that is not an empty threat,” she warned.

She said the service must strike a balance between efficient service delivery and the strict enforcement of security protocols, noting that officers had a responsibility to protect the integrity of immigration processes.

Nandap expressed surprise at the turnout of personnel who lined up to welcome her at the headquarters, describing the reception as a demonstration of their affection and support.

“I was shocked when I came into the headquarters and saw the jubilation, with officers lined up to welcome me. I am overwhelmed,” she said.

“This has touched me from the bottom of my heart,” she added.