The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended an officer, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II Okpravero Ufuoma, after a video surfaced showing him soliciting a bribe from a traveller at an international airport.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the officer persistently asking the traveller for money, even when the traveller explained he had no cash.
The officer’s behaviour sparked outrage online, with many calling for action to be taken.
The Comptroller General of the NIS, CGI Kemi Nanna Nandap, through a statement issued by Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja, condemned the officer’s actions, stating that they do not reflect the values and professionalism that the NIS stands for.
She assured the public that the officer has been suspended indefinitely while disciplinary procedures are carried out, in line with the law and Public Service Rules.
“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.
Nandap stressed the NIS’s commitment to removing corrupt elements from its ranks, stressing that there is a zero-tolerance policy for corruption within the service.
She also mentioned ongoing reforms to improve service standards, including the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NIS urged the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption by its officers to the appropriate authorities.
The Comptroller General reiterated that the NIS is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of hospitality, reception, and courtesy in line with the Nigerian Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
The viral video showing the officer’s shameless solicitation of a bribe has drawn widespread criticism, with many netizens expressing disappointment and demanding systemic reforms to address corruption within the NIS.