Nigeria Immigration Service officers call for stronger funding and reform

Retired senior officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are advocating for increased funding, improved welfare, and greater institutional support to strengthen the agency. During the maiden Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Retired Immigration Officers in Abuja, Dr. Charles E. Okafor argued that the existing NIS structure should be reinforced before the government considers establishing a separate Border Guards organization.

Okafor emphasized that the NIS already holds central responsibility for migration management and border security. The call for reform comes as Nigeria faces challenges regarding its complex borders, including cross-border crime, irregular migration, human trafficking, and document fraud. The association noted that public perception often limits the agency's perceived role to passport issuance, despite its broader statutory mandate to control the movement of people and goods.

Separately, the NIS held a valedictory session in Abuja to honor four senior officers retiring after 35 years of service. The retirees include Deputy Comptrollers-General Dauda Bagari, Augustina Obianime, and Rano Sabo, as well as Assistant Comptroller-General Azuka Halliday. The ceremony recognized their contributions to key sectors such as ICT, cybersecurity, and border management.