Airport Bribery Incident: Immigration Suspends Officer For Misconduct

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has indefinitely suspended officer Okpravero C Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) for seeking gratification from a traveller at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, ordered the suspension in a letter, asserting that the Officer’s conduct does not reflect the and ethics of professionalism upheld by the Service.

Nandap said the Service condemned in strongest terms the misconduct as it undermined the ongoing reforms in the NIS.

The Service also acknowledged the video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” regarding the Officer’s misconduct.

It added that the said officer would remain in suspension pending the outcome of investigations with appropriate punishment in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Service.

The statement reads: “We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.

“The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards. This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.

“The public is reminded that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all of the country’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, particularly Nigerians. Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving Okpravero C. Ufuoma.

“As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.

“The NIS reiterates its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with our Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.

“We assure the public that the NIS will continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.”