The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Okpravero Ufuoma, an assistant superintendent of immigration (ASI II), for soliciting money from a traveller.
NIS comptroller general Kemi Nandap announced the suspension in a statement by the immigration’s spokesman Kenneth Udo on Thursday.
According to Ms Nandap, the officer’s conduct, captured in a video circulating on social media, does not reflect the NIS values and ethics of professionalism.
She condemned the alleged misconduct, saying it undermined the ongoing reforms to enhance service standards. She, however, assured that the officer had been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
She said NIS received a video on social media titled ‘This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria’, showing one of its officers soliciting money from a traveller.
“This disgraceful act is not a representation of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy. As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures,” she said.
The NIS boss reiterated the NIS commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance for corruption policy.
The comptroller general also assured that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the federal government.
Ms Nandap added that electronic gates (e-gates) were being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel for passengers and prevent incidents involving the suspended officer.
She urged the public to report any misconduct or corruption by its officers to the appropriate authorities.