Nigeria Civil Rights Movement (NCRM) is mobilising for a mass protest over alleged job racketeering and extortion of expatriates in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
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Led by Comrade Joshua Abah, the group called on the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to wade into the situation by restoring orderliness.

The group claimed that the sum of ₦1 million is being collected from each expatriate for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) as dubious officials of the outfit remit less than ₦200,000 to the government.

This, they contended is an eyesore and a drawback on the fight against corruption especially as the victims are members of the international community.

Continuing, the group claimed: “The NIS suddenly stopped paying the peculiar and rent allowances approved for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

“Yet, it is shocking to note that these allowances have be released and are being enjoyed by others departments and agencies even in the Ministry of interior. This wicked act has further deepened the pay disparity in the Service compared to other departments, resulting to the dampening of morale and output of personnel.”

Blaming the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Wura-Ola Carol over the situation, the group faulted the procedure adopted in her appointment as the Acting Comptroller General of NIS.

“For someone who was illegally brought back 24 hours to her retirement to head the NIS and whose date of birth is a mystery, it is obvious that she is not fit to occupy that office but was smuggled in to serve so vested interests,” the group added.

“For the system to cleansed of corruption, the possibility of having immigration officers render these services should be explored, or alternatively, consider converting the staff of these companies into immigration officers. Not only would this ensure the security of data, but it would also result in substantial savings for the government.

“It is also crucial for Wura-Ola Carol to step aside as investigations continue into the ownership and operations of those shadow companies.

“Is disheartening that everything in the NIS is turned upside down. From the award of contracts to general procurement process. This must not be allowed to continue.

The NCRM disclosed that it will embark on a massive rally at the National Assembly Complex on Friday to ensure that “enemies of Nigeria whose only credentials is corruption and nepotism are not given an opportunity to destroy the future of Nigeria”.
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