The former Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede called on the serving officers to re-dedicate themselves to their constitutional mandate.
Babandede stated this during the diamond anniversary of the service in Kano.
Immigration Service happens to be one of the leading security outfits in tackling any problem in any country.
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He then urges the serving Officers to understand the importance of the service in the states of the Federation.
Babandede recalls that during his time, he introduced digital system of issuing passports at the doorstep of passport officers and people.
“You see this system really worked in reducing the level of corruption that some officers engaged themselves.
“Passport is the highest point at which officers can twist to collect money, and any sort of corruption can be reduced through good leadership”, former Comptroller General of NIS.
Muhammad Babandede added that, re-introducing Advance Passengers Information (A.P.I) will really work in strengthening immigration work worldwide.
“Because this is one of the ways you can get reliable data about passengers that are coming some hours before they arrive.
“Also, a common clearance system among African countries will boost our operations there by increasing the level of security reliability in the region.
He then called on the Federal Government and their counterparts to do the needful and invest hugely in the reformation of Immigration Service, which will go a long way in improving the economy of Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the state Comptroller of NIS, Ahmad Dauda Bagari said that the Nigerian Immigration Service are now working with the traditional institutions in getting first-hand information that will help them fulfil their constitutional mandate.
Dauda Bagari said that the traditional rulers are the backbone of the immigration service, especially in tackling irregular migration among the populace.
The anniversary of 60th anniversary includes showcasing positive reforms and achievements recorded.
Recalls that the Acting Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs Caroline Wuraola Adepoju directed all the Commands to celebrate the memorable event with line-up activities.
Immigration Service started as an Immigration Department, then under Nigerian Police Force in 1958.
The Service became an entity of its own by an act of Parliament (CAP 171).
The service has many reforms from its creation to date, which are now competing with its counterparts around the globe by digitalizing the systems of its operation.
