Uncertainty Looms Over Nigeria Immigration Service Leadership As Retirement Deadline Approaches

Abuja, Nigeria – Tensions are running high within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as the retirement date of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap looms on October 10, 2024. With no clear directive from President Bola Tinubu regarding a successor, officers are left in a state of uneasy calm, unsure of the future leadership of the service.

Nandap’s retirement is mandatory, stemming from her 35 years of service and reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

She took office on March 1, 2024, following her appointment by President Tinubu, with a mandate to “deepen the ongoing reforms” and strengthen border security.

However, recent events have cast a shadow of doubt over the smooth transition of leadership.  An August promotion of retired Assistant Comptroller General Garba Bello, despite his retirement in June, has sparked outrage amongst senior officers who were passed over. This situation raises concerns about potential favouritism and undermining of established seniority protocols.

The recent ‘Special Promotion’ of Claris Nwadike, who retired just six days after her decoration, further fuels these concerns.

This move, along with the promotion of seven other officers, appears to prioritize personal connections over established seniority rules.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, holds the power to recommend a new Comptroller General to the President. However, with no announcement or indication of his intentions, the NIS remains in limbo.

The lack of clarity surrounding Nandap’s potential extension and the absence of a clear succession plan could lead to a disruptive period for the service.

Senior officers who are bypassed for promotion may feel disillusioned and demotivated, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the NIS.

President Tinubu’s decision on whether to extend Nandap’s tenure or appoint a new Comptroller General will be crucial in determining the stability and direction of the NIS.

The current uncertainty could have significant ramifications for the service’s ability to effectively manage migration and ensure national security.