NIS Boss Charges 46 Newly Promoted Officers On Vigilance Amid Security Threats

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, on Monday decorated 46 newly promoted Comptrollers of Immigration.

Nandap charged them to maintain vigilance and uncompromising professionalism amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony held in Abuja, Nandap stressed that promotion in a disciplined service is neither automatic nor based solely on years of service, but earned through merit and consistent performance.

“Promotion in a disciplined service is neither automatic nor solely a function of years in service. It is earned through sustained dedication, professional competence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty,” she said.

She paid tribute to President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security,” noting that the ongoing transformation within the Service is driven by the administration’s resolve to strengthen key security institutions.

The Immigration boss also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing “strategic direction, diligent oversight, and resolute dedication to strengthening our operational capacities.”

While welcoming dignitaries and family members of the promoted officers, Nandap said their presence underscored the collective support sustaining officers of the Service, describing the decoration as a symbol of trust and higher expectations.

“This decoration signifies an expectation of enhanced leadership, sound judgment, accountability, and exemplary conduct. At this advanced stage of your careers, professional competence must be matched with strong leadership attributes,” she said.

She urged the officers to demonstrate clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire subordinates, stressing that their conduct would continue to reflect the core values and reputation of the Service.

“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone,” Nandap added.

She warned that the NIS would not tolerate indolence or unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and place the interest of the Service above personal considerations.

While congratulating the newly promoted personnel, Nandap acknowledged the sacrifices of their families, describing their patience and support as instrumental to the officers’ professional journeys.

She also encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain steadfast, assuring them that diligence would eventually be rewarded.

Highlighting ongoing reforms within the Service, Nandap cited upgrades in visa and passport processes, the deployment of contactless solutions, the newly introduced Enhanced Border Management Information and Control (EMBIC) system, and the forthcoming STEP initiative, a biometric-based Single Travel Emergency Passport expected to replace the Emergency Travel Certificate in 2026.

“We cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball. This administration is focused on reforms and transformation, and you are the drivers of these reforms,” she said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Human Resources Management, Mr. Afolayan Ayeni, recalled that the Minister of Interior had prioritised prompt promotion of personnel upon assumption of office, an initiative he said is now yielding positive results.

Of the 46 officers promoted from Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) to Comptroller of Immigration (CI), one passed away before the release of the promotion results, while seven had already retired.

The NIS reiterated its commitment to strengthening operational efficiency as the Service positions itself for a more reform-driven 2026.