The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has suspended an officer over allegations of soliciting a bribe from a traveller at one of the airports in the country.
Okpravero Ufuoma, the Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, is currently on suspension pending an investigation, according to NIS Comptroller General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap.
In a statement by the NIS’s spokesman, Mr. Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja, Nandap said the officer’s behaviour in the social media video does not align with the NIS’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
She condemned the alleged misconduct, saying that it undermined the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing service standards.
She confirmed the incident and assured that the officer in question had received an indefinite suspension, pending the outcome of disciplinary actions, in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
The followed a video shared on social media titled ‘This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,’ which showed the officer demanding a bribe from a traveller.
Nandap said: “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.”
The NIS boss reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to weeding out corrupt officials and upholding its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
The comptroller general promised that the agency would continue to pursue excellence in service delivery in line with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
Nandap restated that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all international airports across the country to facilitate smoother travel for passengers and prevent incidents like the one involving the suspended officer.
She urged the public to speak out against any wrongdoing or corrupt behaviour by NIS officers, and to report such incidents to the relevant authorities.
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