Why Nigeria Immigration Service must be probed – Reps member

By Christiana Ekpa

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has called on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to investigate its personnel in Nigeria’s land borders and airports over alleged bribery.
Akande-Sadipe said allegations of bribery from irregular migrants to leave the country are gaining grounds already and cannot be jettisoned.
In a statement by her spokesperson, Olamilekan Olusada, the lawmaker stated that reports claim that NIS officials at check points at various Nigerian highways, borders and airports have indirectly legalised irregular migration with their cash-for-pass attitudes.
She, therefore, called on the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, to act swiftly and look into the alleged acts of misconducts.
The lawmaker stated that there is an urgent need for NIS to have a firm grip of the borders and migration registration and management in the country.
Akande-Sadipe also called for collaboration between NIS and NAPTIP to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.
According to Akande-Sadipe: “It has come to my notice that some NIS officials collect N50, 000 bribe from some irregular migrants to be smuggled out of the country. In fact, there are no secondary checks at borders and the Airport.
“However, it is pertinent to commend the Comptroller General. He has been cooperating with our committee, but there are some elements in the Service, he needs to fish out.”