Okpravero Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, has been suspended by the Nigeria Immigration Service for reportedly soliciting financial gratification from a traveller.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, on behalf of NIS Comptroller General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap.
Nandap claims that the officer’s actions, which were caught on camera and are making the rounds on social media, do not align with the ethics of professionalism and values that the NIS upholds.
She denounced the alleged misconduct, stating that it undermined the ongoing reforms meant to improve service standards.
Nonetheless, she assured everyone that the officer had been placed on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of disciplinary actions, in compliance with the law and Public Service Rules.
She said NIS received a video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” showing one of its officers soliciting financial gratification 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 also reaffirmed the NIS commitment to identifying and eliminating corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance for corruption policy.
The comptroller general further assured everyone that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in line with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Nandap added that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother transit for passengers and prevent incidents like the one involving the suspended officer.
She asked the public to notify the right authorities of any misbehaviour or corruption on the part of its officers.
