From Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Nigeria Immigration Service has suspended an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2), OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA, deployed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The officer was caught on a now-viral video titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” soliciting financial gratification from a traveler.
A statement by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap indicates that the officer does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the service and undermines ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the service’ standards.
The statement recalls that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all of the nation’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers and aims to prevent incidents like the one involving OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA.
The statement adds that the indefinite suspension of the officer is pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
The Nigeria Immigration Service reiterates its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.