Eight officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have been dismissed while 80 are on trial for extortion in the last one year.
This development was disclosed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Comptroller of Immigration Tony Akuneme, who reiterated NIS’ zero tolerance for the collection of illegal fees for the issuance of passports.
According to Akuneme, this was part of the three point agenda of NIS Comptroller General, Isah Jere, which is to reform passport issuance, tighten border security and improve officers’ welfare.
He noted that the CG’s efforts led to most applicants booking online for passports, unlike in the past.
The spokesperson said, “You don’t need anybody, whether immigration officers or agents which we usually call touts. They are still third parties.
“We have continued to punish officers and men who try to assist people for a fee. You can assist genuinely but not extorting from them.”
Akuneme lamented that “learned and civilised persons” usually rely on third parties to process their applications.
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The PRO said such sometimes result in issues such as incorrect National Identification Number (NIN), among others.
The NIS advised applicants to fill out their forms personally, adding that there are officers designated to monitor corrupt personnel.
Akuneme advised complainants to “tell the world” when they are extorted, and the Immigration authority refused to take action.
Meanwhile, an inferno has reportedly razed some shops in the market in Agbeni market, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The market which is located in the heart of Ibadan is the wholesale depot for all manner of beverages and drugs in the state
The number of shops affected by the early Sunday morning fire is still unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Confirming this, the General Manager of the state fire service, Rev Canon Yemi Akinyinka, explained that the agency received a distress call from a security man in one of the banks in the market.
He added that everything has been put under control.
“The agency received the distress call at exactly 04:37hrs through Mr Sunday Ogundele a security man at Access Bank in Agbeni market.
“Our men are still battling with the job, we are grateful to the Central Bank of Nigeria for allowing us use their water supply.