The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken decisive action following the release of a viral video showing an immigration officer soliciting money from a traveler at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) Okpravero C. Ufuoma, has been indefinitely suspended pending further investigation.
Details of the Incident: The video, captured inadvertently by a traveler using camera-enabled eyeglasses, shows ASI 2 Ufuoma begging for financial assistance while on duty. This footage quickly circulated on Nigerian social media, prompting outrage and concern over the conduct of immigration personnel.
Official Response: In response to the incident, Comptroller General Kemi Nana Nandap issued a statement condemning the officer’s behavior. The NIS described the act as “disgraceful” and inconsistent with the organization’s commitment to professionalism and integrity. The statement emphasized that such conduct undermines the ongoing reforms designed to enhance service standards and uphold the values of hospitality and courtesy.
“The conduct of the officer, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS,” the statement read. “The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms. This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.”
Measures to Prevent Future Incidents: To address and prevent similar issues, the NIS is accelerating the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at the country’s international airports. These gates aim to streamline processing and reduce the opportunity for inappropriate behavior by airport personnel. Already, eight e-gates have been installed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with 21 planned for Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Additional installations are scheduled for airports in Kano, Enugu, and Rivers States.
Broader Context: The incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport reflects broader concerns about immigration practices both in Nigeria and abroad. Recently, there have been complaints from Nigerians in London regarding additional fees for expedited passport services at the Nigerian Embassy. Although the NIS has denied these allegations, stating that official processing fees remain unchanged, an investigation revealed that an optional expedited service for $300 is available through Online Integrated Solutions (OIS), which provides passport services on behalf of the Ministry of Interior.
Conclusion: The suspension of ASI 2 Ufuoma serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct within the Nigeria Immigration Service. As the NIS continues to implement reforms and preventive measures, the focus remains on ensuring that all personnel adhere to the highest levels of professionalism. The introduction of e-gates and other initiatives are steps in the right direction toward improving the overall efficiency and integrity of the immigration process.
As the NIS addresses these challenges, the goal remains clear: to provide a seamless and respectful service to all travelers while upholding the principles of integrity and excellence.
