Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to recommit themselves to national service and resist the temptation to use their positions to exploit the public.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the 50th Superintendent Basic Course (SBC) held at the Immigration Training School in Kano on Saturday, Tunji-Ojo reminded the graduating officers that they represent the nation at its borders and must uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.
“Immigration officers are symbols of authority and the face of the nation at its borders. You must protect, not intimidate, the public,” the minister said.
Represented by the Secretary of the Immigration, Civil Defence, Prisons and Fire Service Board, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd), the minister highlighted several reforms introduced to modernize the NIS and improve service delivery.
These include the Electronic Landing and Exit Card System, Electronic CERPAC (Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card), Personal Electronic Passport Application Portal, Centralization of Passport Production, and Real-time Electronic Border Surveillance.
He said the initiatives were aimed at boosting national security, improving operational efficiency, enhancing transparency, and building public trust.
Tunji-Ojo assured that the Federal Government would sustain investments in capacity building, data protection, cybersecurity, and continuous digital transformation to support the reforms.
In her remarks, Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, charged the officers to translate their aspirations into responsible service, guided by discipline and commitment to duty.
She commended the cadets for their outstanding performance during the six-month training, which combined regimental and academic components to prepare them for service.
Commandant of the Immigration Training School, Kano, Assistant Comptroller General Idris Akande Ozigi, disclosed that 689 cadets successfully completed the course.
