BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – In a move aimed at sanitizing the system and enhancing the ease of doing business for effective service delivery to Nigerians, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has sanctioned 36 of its personnel for corrupt practices.
A statement by the NIS spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) Tony Akuneme said the development is part of the management’s efforts to rid the Service of criminal elements whose conducts tend to dent its public image.
Giving a breakdown of the figure, Akuneme stated that four personnel were dismissed while 14 others were demoted for various offences after they appeared before the NIS’ Orderly Room Trial Committee.
The statement issued by Akuneme in Abuja on Tuesday, explained that; “As part of efforts to rid the Service of bad eggs and in furtherance of the Federal Government’s fight against corruption, the Nigeria Immigration Service has dismissed 4 personnel and demoted 14 for various offences for which they appeared before the Orderly Room Trial Committee of the Service”.
He said four other personnel were discharged and acquitted, while two were redeployed to other locations as part of measures to boost efficiency and ensure optimal service delivery to the Nigerian public.
According to him, “Eleven (officials) were issued warning letters and one was compulsorily retired” with the Committee indicating that 11 personnel are still awaiting trial.
The NIS image maker further quoted the Comptroller General of immigration (CGI) as “assuring the general public that there are no sacred cows in the NIS as all offenders shall be appropriately sanctioned.
“He is also urging members of the public to be vigilant and support the Service to deliver more on its mandate by contacting us for feedback, inquiries and complaints on any of these channels:
(a) phone: +2348033074681; +2348021819988; (b) twitter: @nigimmigration; and (c) email: nis.pro@immigration.gov.ng”.
