The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasised the transformative role of Technology in combating Corruption and improving service delivery within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NIS in its drive to enhance transparency and efficiency in handling immigration matters. During the opening of a two-day sensitisation campaign at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, noted critical areas where reforms were necessary.
He pointed out the need to reinforce cybersecurity measures for recruitment portals, restructure the performance management system, and enforce standard operating procedures at border entry points. According to them, the initiatives aim to address persistent challenges such as recruitment fraud, unethical passport processing practices, and operational misconduct at ports. The agency also recommended introducing an official administrative cost on passport applications. This measure is intended to curb unauthorised facilitation fees while improving the Welfare of their personnel. The commission noted that the agency had made strides in digitisation but emphasised that more work remained, particularly in enhancing ethical compliance.
Improving ethics and compliance within NIS operations.
A recent assessment of the NIS using the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) revealed a notable shift from non-compliance in 2023 to partial compliance in 2024. While this progress is commendable, the ICPC stressed the need for further improvement. It urged the immigration service to strengthen its whistleblower mechanism and enforce consequences for corruption-related offences. The commission underscored that the ultimate aim of anti-corruption initiatives is to enhance public service delivery. It reiterated that securing widespread support for anti-corruption reforms would remain challenging unless citizens experience meaningful improvements in their dealings with government institutions.
In response, the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, affirmed the agency’s commitment to national security, border management, and seamless migration processes. She emphasised that integrity, transparency, and efficiency were not mere ideals but fundamental principles guiding their operations. To achieve these goals, they have implemented various innovations designed to minimise corrupt practices and improve service delivery. These include the Passport Automation Programme, the Contactless Passport Application Process, E-Gates, Body Cameras, and E-Visas. These initiatives align with the government’s broader push for digitisation to streamline bureaucratic processes and eliminate loopholes that foster corruption.
Enhancing partnerships and ethical service delivery.
Furthermore, they also acknowledged the importance of partnerships with national and international anti-corruption agencies. The Comptroller General noted that these collaborations had significantly strengthened the agency’s internal mechanisms and promoted a Culture of ethical service delivery. Training programs have further been introduced to ensure officers embrace professionalism and uphold the highest service ethics standards. The sensitisation campaign at the NIS headquarters forms part of broader efforts to deepen reforms and deliver transparent services to Nigerians.
Purposely, the ICPC was established in 2000 with the mandate to educate, detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption-related offences. Over the years, it has developed anti-corruption strategies tailored to Nigeria’s governance structure. These include enforcing audit results in government ministries and departments to improve budget transparency, strengthening its research and teaching academy, and continuous engagement with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC). As part of its repositioning strategy, the commission has prioritised the adoption of e-government standards to curb corruption in public service delivery.
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Looking ahead, with sustained efforts, the NIS is poised to become a model for efficient and transparent immigration service delivery. The adoption of Anti-Corruption Technology (ACT) is expected to enhance citizens’ welfare while contributing to national development goals centred on good governance. However, the ongoing sensitisation campaign underscores the government’s dedication to deepening institutional reforms. It serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption is not just about implementing policies but ensuring that citizens experience real improvements in their daily interactions with public institutions.