Abuja: The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced a capacity-building training initiative for its Passport Control Officers (PCOs), emphasizing its resolve to prosecute foreign nationals apprehended while attempting to procure Nigerian passports.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, made this announcement during the inauguration of a three-day workshop in Abuja. The workshop, themed ‘Strengthening Identity Management through Innovations in Passport Administration’, aims to enhance the skills of PCOs from across the nation.
Nandap highlighted that the service is taking decisive steps to prosecute the arrested individuals in accordance with existing laws, asserting that the period of impunity has ended. The workshop will educate participants on ICT integration, customer satisfaction, and document vetting, which are crucial skills for their roles as protectors of national identity.
The NIS leader issued a strong warning against malpractices and illegal acts by personnel, emphasizing accountability. She urged participants to be proactive and thorough in their responsibilities, stressing that the Nigerian passport is a symbol of trust and should only be issued to bona fide Nigerians.
Nandap commended the PCOs for their vigilance and quick reporting protocols in passport offices nationwide. She underscored the importance of immigration officers understanding how to assess an individual’s nationality, including factors like speech patterns and appearance, to ensure only eligible individuals receive Nigerian passports.
The NIS CG also warned against extortion and corruption, promising strict sanctions for offenders and rewards for excellence. She urged officers to work swiftly yet diligently, completing all security checks before passport issuance, as the passport symbolizes the nation and must be issued with integrity.
