The Nigeria Immigration Service's Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, announced a probe after online reports claimed staff were extorting travelers on the Lagos‑Seme border corridor. In a statement released by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday in Abuja, Nandap described the alleged acts as "unacceptable and contrary to its established standards and violates the core values, ethics, and operational guidelines of the service." She said the agency had already temporarily relieved the comptrollers overseeing the affected commands while a comprehensive investigation is launched to identify every staff member involved and impose disciplinary action. Nandap pledged that the service remains committed to professionalism, transparency and efficiency at all entry and exit points nationwide. The statement also urged the public to report any misconduct through the NIS's official social‑media handles @nigimmigration on X, Instagram and Facebook, or by calling the 24‑hour contact centre numbers 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092. The CG reaffirmed the agency's resolve to protect its integrity while facilitating lawful migration.
Kemi Nandap's swift decision to suspend the border comptrollers signals a rare moment of internal accountability within the immigration hierarchy. By publicly condemning the alleged extortion and ordering a full‑scale inquiry, she is attempting to restore confidence that had been shaken by viral accusations on social media.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria's border agencies face heightened scrutiny over corruption, especially along high‑traffic corridors such as Lagos‑Seme that serve both commercial traders and daily commuters. The immediate removal of the senior officers and the call for public reporting suggest the service is trying to pre‑empt further reputational damage and possible legal challenges.
For ordinary Nigerians who rely on the border for work or trade, the investigation could mean shorter waiting times and fewer illicit fees if the probe leads to substantive reforms. Travelers who have previously reported being overcharged may finally see a channel for redress, while legitimate traders could benefit from a more predictable crossing environment.
If the inquiry uncovers systemic malpractice, it may prompt a broader overhaul of immigration oversight mechanisms, aligning the service with recent anti‑corruption drives across other federal ministries. Such a shift could set a precedent for stricter internal controls and greater public trust in Nigeria's migration institutions.
