NIS Suspends Officer Caught Soliciting Bribe From Traveler At MMIA

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended indefinitely one of its officers, Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, ASI 2 who was caught on video soliciting financial gratification from a traveler at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The NIS described Ufuoma’s conduct as “disgraceful” and “unprofessional,” stating that it “does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.”

“The conduct of the officer… undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards,” said the Comptroller General, KN NANDAP, in a statement. “This act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.”

NIS said that the officer, Ufuoma has been indefinitely suspended pending disciplinary procedures. The NIS, however reiterated its commitment to removing corrupt elements within its ranks and ensuring excellence in service delivery.

A statement on its X handle, on Thursday August 8, e-signed by the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, KN NANDAP, reads; “The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has received a video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” in which one of its officers is seen soliciting financial gratification from a traveler.

“We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, ASI 2 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.

“The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards.

“This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy. The public is reminded that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all of the country’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, particularly Nigerians.

“Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA. a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.

“The NIS reiterates its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with our Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.

“We assure the public that the NIS will continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.”