By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has promoted 13,977 senior and junior officers in a historic exercise, marking a significant milestone in the service’s efforts to eradicate career stagnation.
The Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, said 95 Comptrollers of the Immigration Service (CIS) were promoted during an award ceremony for 15 newly promoted Deputy Comptrollers (ACGs) in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the service promoted 13,977 senior and junior officers across the country as part of the recently concluded 2024 promotion review.
Nandap said the historic promotion was more than just a recognition of notable achievements. It was a call to action, urging the service to step up its efforts and take on greater responsibilities.
He said the service is also committed to transforming the NIS into a 21st century powerhouse that is nimble, agile and adapted to the unique needs of Nigeria.
“Remember that when I took on the role of 19th CGIS in March this year, my priority was to ensure the growth and development of the team.
“I call for unity, teamwork and a common goal among all leaders; and I charged them to close ranks and work together towards our common goal of providing effective and efficient immigration services in Nigeria.
“This promotion should be seen as a call for greater accountability. With a focus on border management, migration management and applying cutting-edge technologies to our operations, we are committed to creating a service that meets the needs of Nigeria in the 21st century.
“We will continue to prioritize training and capacity development to enable staff to support and improve our reforms.”
“This is particularly about integrating modern technology into our operations, from biometric data systems to electronic gates at our airports,” he said.
While naming the newly promoted and decorated officers, the NIS CG emphasized that the nation and especially the Service had greater confidence in its capabilities and therefore needed to redouble its efforts to face complex challenges.
He said that “his leadership experience and management capabilities, integrity and strategic thinking will be fundamental to his new responsibility to reposition the NIS as a key player in our country’s security architecture.”
“The NUS and indeed the nation look to you for leadership in critical areas such as securing our borders, strengthening immigration controls and maintaining the integrity of our immigration processes.
As leaders, we have a huge task ahead of us and we must be ready to meet the challenges with courage and determination. The need for you to maintain discipline, professionalism and integrity at all levels of service is essential to our success.
“As you wear your new badges with pride, never forget the responsibility that comes with it and be determined to excel. I hope you will rise to the occasion when your duty demands it.
“May you continue to serve NUS and the nation with continued success and good health. Above all, let us work together to fulfil the mission of the service,” he said.
Nandap, however, insisted that corruption and unethical behaviour would not be tolerated as the service strived to inculcate in civil servants the virtues necessary for effective service delivery.
She said: “It is now your fundamental duty to maintain the highest standards, set a shining example for the young officers who look up to you and engage with other agencies for effective collaboration that creates positive perceptions.”
“As leaders, you have the responsibility to embody the values of transparency, accountability and excellence in everything you do,” he said.
In his speech, Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary, Civil Defence, Immigration and Correctional Services Board (CDCFIB), urged the newly promoted officers to excel in their respective roles.
Ahmed charged the NIS-CG to say: “This challenges your team to perform at their best and helps you take the service to the next level and move forward.”
“There are so many reforms underway at NEI that we are looking forward and will never look back.
“NIS has grown and must fulfill its mission in the best possible way. I wish you all the best and congratulate you and your family members with all my heart,” he said.
One of the newly awarded officials, the Controller of Immigration Service (CIS), acknowledged the service rendered through this promotion. Nene Orupabo thanked God for considering her worthy of being part of this milestone.
Orupabo assured the service of her commitment to the nation, adding that the category requires more work and commitment.
“Wherever they send me, I will do even better than before.
“By the grace of God, I will improve the image of NIS and the nation as a whole and also strengthen the renewed hope agenda of our beloved President Bola Tinubu.
