By Daniel Edu
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made an appeal to the Senate, seeking improved working conditions, competitive remuneration, and regular promotions for its personnel. Acting Comptroller General, Mrs. Caroline Adepoju, pointed out the discrepancies in pay scales compared to other similar agencies, highlighting the demoralizing impact on NIS employees. She stressed the importance of regular promotions and increased capacity building to enhance operational efficiency. Adepoju also called for additional funding, better infrastructure, and logistics support, especially for border management and the implementation of E-gate services.
Adepoju addressed the challenges faced by the NIS, including the backlog in passport issuance, reaffirming the service’s dedication to improving service delivery in line with the government’s objectives. Alhaji Ja’afar Mohammed, the Secretary of the Board overseeing the NIS, Nigeria Correctional Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, echoed Adepoju’s sentiments, highlighting the board’s ongoing efforts to reposition the NIS.
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, reassured the NIS of the committee’s dedication to addressing their concerns. He emphasized the committee’s commitment to practical solutions, focusing on tangible interventions rather than mere discussions. Committee members raised questions about issues such as delayed passport issuance, management of illegal immigrants, internal revenue generation, and remittance procedures within the NIS.
