NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HOLDS VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF DEPUTY COMPTROLLER-GENERAL (DCG) AJ UMANAH (RTD)
The Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters hosted a valedictory session to honour Deputy Comptroller-General, Works and Logistics Directorate, Ada James Umanah, celebrating her 35 years of devoted service to the country.
The Comptroller-General, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, fspsp represented by Deputy Comptroller-General, Human Resource Management Directorate, A. Ayeni, expressed appreciation for the retiring DCG’s remarkable dedication, service, and commitment, to the NIS and the Nation. He further wished her all the best in her future endeavors and a happy post-service life.
The ceremony was a grand celebration of the DCG’s illustrious career. Distinguished guests including the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, NIS top management, colleagues, family, and friends were in attendance to celebrate her legacy and wish her a happy and successful future.
e-Signed DCI AS AKINLABI SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. 30TH JANUARY, 2026
COMPTROLLER-GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS TRAINING AS A STRATEGIC PILLAR FOR BORDER SECURITY AND MIGRATION MANAGEMENT AT ITEPA2 CLOSEOUT CONFERENCE
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, fspsp, participated in the International Training Center (ITEPA2) Closeout Conference, held in Rome, Italy from 28th to 31st January 2026, where she emphasized the critical role of training as a strategic tool for strengthening Border Security, Migration Management to fight against Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons
The conference jointly organized by Italy and Egypt Ministries of Interior served as a high-level platform bringing together representatives of authorities of Public Security from twenty-two (22) African countries and international organizations to exchange best practices on translating migration policies into effective operational outcomes. Italy’s Minister of Interior, Prefect Matteo Piantedozi delivered the Opening Address via video message.
Delivering a presentation titled “Training as a Strategic Tool for Border Security and Migration Management – Nigeria’s Experience and Perspective,” the Comptroller-General of Immigration explained Nigeria’s critical border realities especially the volatile Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea which underscore the need to adopt strategic capacity building and modern technology to outpace border security threats and irregular migration challenges. She outlined capacity-building framework, intelligence-led border control, document integrity, human rights and protection, and inter-agency synergy as central to effective border governance. She mentioned further that from 2024 to date, the Service has trained over 24,600 personnel across basic, specialized, and leadership levels.
Furthermore, on 29th January, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Immigration accompanied by Deputy Comptroller-General, Migration Directorate, N Odikpo, pcc, held an engagement with the Head, Italian National Police, Prefect Vittorio Pisani and his delegation in his office. The discussions focused on capacity building in specialized areas and establishing a joint operational cooperation framework to address border security and irregular migration challenges with plans for a follow-up meeting.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safe, orderly, and regular migration, noting that training has evolved from an administrative requirement into an institutional pillar of the Service. She stated that the Service will continue to invest in impact-driven, technology-enabled, and rights-based training to strengthen Border Security while upholding humanitarian principles.
e-Signed DCI AS Akinlabi Service Public Relations Officer Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja 1st February, 2026.
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE FLAGS OFF 2025 ANTI-SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS WEEK
The Nigeria Immigration Service, through its Migration Directorate, has successfully conducted the 2025 Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Week, themed “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response.” At the Service Headquarters, Abuja.
The week-long sensitization was declared open by the Comptroller-General KN Nandap pcc, mmis, fsmn, fspsp, ably represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General (Works & Logistics), AJ Umanah, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to combating irregular migration and transnational crimes. She noted that rising organized smuggling, digital deception, and proliferation of complex routes have increased migrant risks, prompting intensified youth-focused sensitization, including outreach to over 200,000 NYSC corps members in 2025.
Day Two featured a high-level panel discussion on “Irregular Migration: Realities, Risks and Collective Responsibility,” engaging stakeholders on safe and legal migration pathways, shared responsibility, and national efforts to curb migrant smuggling, alongside a debate by secondary school students highlighting the dangers of irregular migration.
Day Three featured roadside and market sensitization campaigns, taking the anti-smuggling message directly to grassroots communities. The programme concluded on Day Four with a Sports Day, marking the end of the campaign and reinforcing unity, awareness, and collective responsibility against migrant smuggling.
e-Signed ACI AS Akinlabi Service Public Relations Officer Nigeria Immigration Service Service Headquarters, Abuja 20th December, 2025
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Annett Günther, accompanied by the First Secretary of the German Embassy, Mr. Markus Sasse, at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
Amb. Günther in her opening remarks, appreciated NIS for sustained cooperation and support in areas of migration synergy, security collaboration, and other shared responsibilities. She sought renewed partnership in areas outlined in the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions especially in the area of Migrant Identification and Management. The Amb. also commended the Service’s ongoing transformation efforts, noting recent technology-driven innovations particularly the e-Visa system, which she described as significant steps toward modern, efficient Migration Management.
The CGI appreciated the Amb. for the visit, reaffirming NIS’s commitment to collaboration with the German Embassy in the area of Migrant Identification. She also appreciated the reception by German Government given during her recent working visit to Germany on advanced Border Security and Governance tour.
The NIS reaffirms its commitment to strengthen bilateral engagements and enhance collaboration, in the areas of capacity development, Border Governance, and Migration Management.
e-Signed ACI AS Akinlabi Service Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja 20th November 2025
The Nigeria Immigration Service organized a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Seminar themed “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response” at the Service Headquarters, Abuja. The seminar brought together representatives from key government institutions, international partners, and civil society organizations to discuss emerging trends in migrant smuggling and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
Declaring the seminar open and in her keynote address, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, described Smuggling of Migrants as a growing transnational threat to national security and human dignity, stressing that “it is our collective duty to ensure no Nigerian is left vulnerable to exploitation or deception.” She noted that Nigeria’s socio-economic diversity makes it a source, transit, and destination country for Migration, and called for a coordinated national strategy built on partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
The Comptroller-General further revealed that the Service’s renewed operational alertness has continued to yield tangible results. Recently, Border Patrol operatives at Seme Border denied entry to 332 migrants who lacked valid travel documents, while 294 Nigerian nationals suspected to be irregular migrants attempting to leave the country under the “Japa Syndrome” were refused exit. In addition, 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued at the same border. She attributed these successes to enhanced border surveillance measures, including the installation of new CCTV cameras.
In her welcome address, the Deputy-Comptroller General Migration Directorate, N Odikpo, highlighted that the seminar provides a platform not only to share knowledge but also to forge stronger partnerships in combating the menace. She emphasized that “the fight against migrant smuggling is not merely about enforcing laws, it is about protecting lives.
The technical session featured three presentations titled “Strengthening Collaboration for a Coordinated National Response to Smuggling of Migrants,” “The Evolving Role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Combating Migrant Smuggling,” and “Upholding the Rights and Dignity of Migrants in Nigeria’s Response to Smuggling.” The presentations explored operational challenges, best practices, and the importance of human-rights-based approaches to migration management.
Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants, dismantling smuggling networks, and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to respond to irregular migration through effective inter-agency cooperation.
This sensitization seminar reinforces the Service’s determination to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration in line with the Federal Government’s Migration Governance framework and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
e-Signed ACI AS AKINLABI Service Public Relations Officer Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja 11th November, 2025
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, participated in the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, organized and co-hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with Government of France. While speaking at the meeting, she announced that the Nigeria Immigration Service is set to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC). The initiative forms part of the Service’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Identity Management and Border Governance frameworks in line with global best practices.
2. The high-level meeting convened critical stakeholders in migration management in Nigeria and abroad including National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internal Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Representatives from ECOWAS, AU, EU, African and European countries
3. The meeting seeks to reinforce coordinated prevention, protection, and prosecution responses to Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons across African and European migration routes among participating Migration Agencies. Serving as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning legal frameworks, and fostering inter-agency cooperation, the forum underscored the importance of collective and sustained action in addressing the root causes of irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, with emphasis on the protection of rights of objects migrants smuggling and victims of human trafficking
4. Delivering her keynote address titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses” the Nigeria Immigration Service Perspective, the Comptroller-General highlighted part of the Service’s comprehensive reform agenda which also focuses on combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons through enhanced Border Governance, improved Migration Management systems, capacity building, and strengthened international collaboration.
5. Building on this framework, the CGI explained that the forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will serve as a temporary travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner. She noted that the travel document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad and valid only for single entry, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.
6. The Comptroller-General reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, emphasizing that the Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders.
e-Signed ACI A. S. Akinlabi Service Public Relations Officer Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja 5th November, 2025
NIS Leads the Future of Digital Governance: Double Honours at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (The Presidency), State House Awards Night, Held October 10 2025.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has been honoured by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms as the Best Federal MDA in Public Service Automation, in recognition of its exceptional strides in digital transformation, process innovation, and technology-driven Service Delivery, setting a national benchmark for efficiency and transparency in governance.
At the same event, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the Service’s digital modernization agenda.
Assistant Comptroller-General PC Ogbodo, pcc, who heads the Gender and Welfare Unit, received the awards on behalf of the Service and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, expressing appreciation to the Bureau of Public Service Reforms and reaffirming the Service’s dedication to continuous innovation and excellence in governance.
The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolutely committed to aligning with global best practices, harnessing digital innovation, and delivering world-class service.
eSigned ACI AS Akinlabi Service Public Relations Officer Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja 13th October, 2025.
NIS ADDRESSES TECHNICAL CHALLENGES ON CONTACTLESS PASSPORT APPLICATION SYSTEM
Nigeria Immigration Service acknowledges the recent technical challenges encountered by some Nigerians in the diaspora while using the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System. The Service assures the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve these issues and restore optimal functionality.
2. To enhance user experience and ensure seamless transactions, NIS has upgraded and scaled up the system’s payment gateway. Since its launch, the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System has successfully processed and issued over 15,000 passports to Nigerians abroad, underscoring the Service’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in passport administration.
3. Applicants who do not receive their payment One-Time Password (OTP) are advised to check their spam folders. Additionally, users are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and other requirements on the website when applying. All previously identified issues within the app are currently being addressed.
4. Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its mission to deliver transparent, reliable, and high-quality services to Nigerians worldwide.
5. For further assistance on matters relating to NIS Contactless App (NIS MOBILE), applicants are advised to reach the NIS Support Team through any of the following channels:
In-App Chat: Select “Support” → “Chat with Us”
Email: support@immigration.gov.ng
X (Twitter): @nigimmigration
Instagram: @nigimmigration, @nis_response
Facebook: @nigimmigration, @nis-response
Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, KN Nandap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, received the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to the Service Headquarters in Abuja today, where they inspected the newly built Centralized Passport Personalization Center.
The delegation toured the facility, accompanied by technical partners who provided detailed briefings on each unit within the state-of-the-art center. Journalists were also present, gaining first-hand insight into this significant milestone in passport administration.
This world-class facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology is designed to put an end to production of passports across multiple centres and centralization in one location. This will significantly boost passport production capacity and streamline the process for Nigerians seeking passports by reducing their waiting time.
The Honorable Minister described the new passport center as a long-awaited achievement, marking a significant milestone for the NIS since 1963. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, noting that the center will boost daily passport production from 300 to 5,000 units, aligning with global standards. This upgrade is expected to eliminate backlogs and delays, ensuring Nigerians receive their passports in record time.
The Nigeria Immigration Service remains firmly committed to delivering seamless, transparent, and efficient passport services to all Nigerians worldwide, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service.
e-Signed ACI AS AKINLABI SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA 18TH SEPTEMBER 2025
The Nigeria Immigration Service top management attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ministers’ Conference of the Ministry of Interior themed “From Plan to Result – Strengthening Institutional Performance in the Ministry of Interior.” held on 28th August 2025, at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State.
The high-level conference, organized by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, convened 58 senior officers from agencies under the Ministry, all Directors, and members of the Board led by the Secretary Maj. Gen A.M. Jebiri(RtD). Also in attendance was the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman.
The conference facilitated comprehensive discussions on the theme, exploring innovations, reforms, and performance enhancements to optimize the Ministry and its agencies’ efficiency and Service Delivery.
In his keynote address, the Honorable Minister, stressed the imperative of innovation and reforms to boost institutional performance and achieve tangible outcomes. While acknowledging existing challenges, he commended the progress made by agencies and encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to excellence and enhanced Service Delivery, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision for a better future.
