The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Thursday that it is set to introduce electronic visas, a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing corruption. The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, made this known while opening the 3rd Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Enhancing Service Delivery through Zero Tolerance for Corruption at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja. She stated that the anti-corruption campaign would also be extended to all Commands and Formations of the NIS to ensure widespread awareness and compliance.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to combat systemic corruption, Nandap noted that the automation of most immigration processes has significantly minimized human interactions, thereby reducing opportunities for corrupt practices. She encouraged the public to hold the NIS accountable while also welcoming constructive feedback and commendation for improvements within the Service. Nandap emphasized the critical role of the NIS in national security, border management, and the facilitation of legal migration, stating that the agency’s operations have a direct impact on Nigeria’s global image.
Regarding anti-corruption measures, she said, “Last year, we made a firm commitment to tackle corruption in all its forms. This led to increased digitization and the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and eliminate corruption within the NIS.”
She said; “The Service is on the verge of introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) to make it easier for travelers to visit Nigeria. This online visa application process is designed to be more efficient and convenient for applicants by eliminating human contact in the application process thereby minimizing the risk of corruption”.The event had as its theme, “Increased Digitalization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services”.
“One of our flagship initiatives is the Passport Automation Programme. This innovation has significantly reduced the processing time for passports, making it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to obtain their travel documents. But that is not all – our automation programme has also eliminated the opportunities for corruption that existed in the manual process, due to increased human interface.
“Another critical component of our anti-corruption strategy is the Contactless Passport Application Process. This innovation enables Nigerians to submit their applications online, eliminating physical contact with our officers. This not only makes the process more efficient but also shut out any avenue for corruption.
“The introduction of e-gates in Nigeria is a significant step towards enhancing security, streamlining airport processes, and improving overall travel experiences. These e-gates are designed to facilitate efficient and secure passenger processing, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of corruption.
“Additionally, the introduction of body cameras by the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in our operations. The use of body cameras is a solution to curb brutality, enhance evidence gathering and documentation, and rebuild public trust in the Service. It can provide firsthand evidence in criminal investigations, serving as crucial evidence in legal proceedings and helping to validate witness accounts.
“Our collaboration with Interpol is another key aspect of our anti corruption efforts. By working closely with international law enforcement agencies, we can share intelligence, best practices, and expertise to combat corruption and other transnational crimes. Moreover, I am very proud to announce that, of the only five Interpol trainers recently certified for Nigeria, an NIS Officer is among. These further boosts our efforts and commitment to stemming corruption in the system.
“In the same vein, in partnership with National Anti-corruption Agencies such as SERVICOM, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we are strengthening internal mechanisms to ensure that our Officers imbibe the tenets of Hostmanship and Service Delivery ethics. Officers in violation of ethical standards shall face the full wrath of the law”, she added.
Source : https://www.vanguardngr.com/
