By Seyi Odewale
A retired Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Ime Nta, has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Kemi Nandap, for tackling corruption in the service.
Nta, a one-time Special Assistant to a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, had been a leading crusader against corruption in the NIS before retiring four years ago.
He said the corruption problem within the agency was hydra-headed and required an iron fist to contain it.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Nandap, recently unveiled the third nationwide sensitisation and awareness campaign against corruption 2025 with the theme: Increased Digitalisation and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services.
During the unveiling, Nandap reaffirmed her commitment to using digitalisation and innovative solutions, including technology-driven processes such as the Contactless Passport Application System and the soon-to-be-introduced e-Visa channel, to enhance efficiency and transparency in the service.
According to her, these initiatives will significantly minimise opportunities for corrupt practices.
Following this development, Nta commended the CGI’s resolve, saying her initiatives, if allowed to flourish, will help tackle corruption in the NIS.
Recalling his ordeal in the fight against corruption, Nta called for support and prayers for the CGI to ensure her protection and enable her to prosecute the war against corruption in the NIS successfully.
According to Nta, this is the first time a CGI has courageously attempted to tackle internal corruption within the NIS.
He said, “This is the first time that a CGI is attempting to battle corruption in the NIS head-on by bringing corruption to the doorsteps of NIS officers using digital approaches that replace manual processes.
“I appeal that she should be given support, encouragement, and possibly an extension of her term by the higher authorities to enable her to consolidate her efforts.”
Nta alleged that malpractices still exist in the country’s passport administration.
He called for political will, sincerity, and commitment to addressing the fundamental issues in administrating the nation’s security documents.
