The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has condemned its officer, Okpravero Ufuoma, who was video-recorded begging for money from an international traveller.
NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated that Ufuoma’s act at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, did not represent what the service stood for.
In the viral video, Ufuoma was begging the foreign passenger to help him with some money. Even when the passenger insisted he had no cash and offered to buy something for the NIS officer, he was insistent on being given cash.
In a statement on Thursday morning, Nandap disclosed that Ufuoma has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by a disciplinary committee.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has received a video currently circulating on social media titled ‘This is how Immigration officers treat tourist in Nigeria’, in which one of its officers is seen soliciting financial gratification from a traveler.
“We wish to inform the public that the condust 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 public is reminided 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 Agends of this administration.”
On its part, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the officer was withdrawn from the duty post while the Minister of Interior ordered his indefinite suspension.