NIS Flags-Off 2025 Service Delivery Reforms

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has formally launched its 2025 national sensitisation campaign aimed at strengthening transparency, improving efficiency and deepening anti-corruption reforms across its operations nationwide.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together senior officers of the NIS, representatives of key security agencies, members of the diplomatic community, civil society actors and the media.

The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, emphasised that the campaign, themed: ‘Elevating for Transparency and Efficiency: Strengthening Service Delivery and Combating Corruption through Reforms’, represents a renewed commitment by the Service to uphold accountability and build a modern, trusted and globally competitive institution.

She said, “This campaign is not merely a slogan. It is our collective pact with Nigerians that service must be transparent, efficient and accountable.”

The CG disclosed that the NIS has expanded its digital architecture to simplify services, automate passport applications and deploy biometric verification systems at national borders.

According to her, “Citizens are now able to initiate and track applications with clearer timelines and minimal physical interaction,” adding that, “These reforms have improved processing timelines across commands and significantly reduced opportunities for extortion.”

She further disclosed that passport offices have been restructured nationwide to enhance speed and fairness, supported by a 24-hour call centre, monitored social media channels, and dedicated email platforms to ensure that complaints and enquiries are addressed promptly.

“The worst thing that can happen to anyone is having issues and not knowing where to turn,” she noted. “We corrected that by ensuring Nigerians always have someone listening and responding.”

Reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, the CG announced strengthened internal audits, enhanced enforcement of ethical codes and improved disciplinary measures to deter misconduct.

She said, “Digital payment systems and automated checkpoints now limit cash-based interactions,” she said. “Transparency is not optional it’s the foundation for the work we do.”

She added that officers are undergoing continuous training and process redesign to align with global border management standards.

The CG noted that the NIS has deepened partnerships with sister security agencies, multilateral institutions, migration platforms and the diplomatic corps to support ongoing reforms.

“Change is difficult. Many people resist it,” she said. “But by engaging these agencies and bringing their personnel into our training and sensitisation sessions, they now understand why we are implementing these changes and how to navigate the new systems.”

A major appeal of the campaign is to discourage Nigerians from patronising touts and unauthorised agents.

She said, “You can sit in the comfort of your home and apply for most of our services. Follow our clearly outlined procedures. Do not put yourself at the mercy of anybody.”

She urged the public to use official platforms for enquiries, suggestions and complaints, including phone lines, website portals, social media channels and suggestion boxes.

The CG lamented the killing of NIS officers in the line of duty in Borno, Kebbi and Niger State. “They were attacked by unknown persons while serving their country,” she said.

The CG emphasised that meaningful change requires the collective effort of officers, citizens and stakeholders.

“Efficiency is not achieved by policy pronouncements alone. It requires personal responsibility at every desk, every command and every border post,” she said.

She added that: “The change we seek starts with us. If everyone here decides to do something differently, imagine the transformation we can achieve.”