The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Okpravero Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II) indefinitely for allegedly soliciting financial gratification from a traveller.
A video had emerged on social media showing the officer stationed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, asking a tourist to find him “something”.
When the tourist said he did not have money, officer Ufuoma who didn’t know he was being filmed, replied ‘’Common.”
‘’If it comes from you, I am happy with anything” Ufuoma added
The tourist then said that he had his card with him, suggesting that they can get some cash probable via a POS or an ATM.
Reacting to the video, NIS’s Comptroller General, Mrs Kemi Nandap said Ufoma’s conduct does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
Nandap in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Kenneth Udo on Thursday in Abuja condemned the alleged misconduct in the strongest terms, saying that it undermined the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing service standards.
She, however, assured that the officer had been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, in accordance 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 reiterated the NIS’s commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance for corruption policy.
The comptroller general also assured that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the Federal Government.
Nandap added that electronic gates (e-gates) were being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel for passengers, and prevent incidents like the one involving the suspended officer.
She urged the public to report any form of misconduct or corruption by its officers to the appropriate authorities.
(NAN)
