Nigeria’s new Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has pledged to strengthen the country’s borders and enhance its security. She made this promise on Friday in Abuja, after being decorated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
A Historic Appointment
Nandap, who is the first woman to hold the position, said she was fully prepared to serve the nation with integrity and professionalism. She said she would prioritize the welfare of the officers and personnel of the service, as well as implement policies to curb irregular migration.
“I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence reposed in me by the president to lead this service. We will strive towards unity, growth, and development. We will tighten our borders. A safe border is a safe nation,” she said.
Nandap, who was formerly the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate, takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, who retired after 35 years of service.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, congratulated Nandap on her appointment and urged her to be a team player and a visionary leader. He said the president had specially recognized her and given her a presidential handshake on Tuesday, which showed his high expectations of her.
Dr Tunji-Ojo also charged her to be creative and innovative in tackling the challenges of border management, migration control, and national security. He said the NIS had a great role to play in the security of Nigeria and the welfare of its citizens.
A Challenging Task
“You have held command positions across the country, and that means you are conversant with the issues. Please, we believe in you. The president believes in you. To whom much is given, much is expected. This is not the time to remember the ills of anyone,” he said.
He also warned the officers and men of the service to cooperate with their new boss and avoid any acts of sabotage or indiscipline. He said he would not hesitate to take “big” decisions against anyone who tried to undermine the authority or performance of the CGIS.
The NIS is responsible for the issuance of passports, visas, and other travel documents, as well as the enforcement of immigration laws and regulations. The service also collaborates with other security agencies to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes.
Nandap’s appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple security threats, such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and secessionist agitations. The country also shares borders with four other countries: Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, which pose challenges of illegal migration, smuggling, and infiltration.
However, Nandap said she was optimistic that with the support of the government, the ministry, and the staff of the service, she would be able to overcome the obstacles and deliver on her mandate. She also expressed her gratitude to her predecessor, Adepoju, for her exemplary service and achievements.
“I want to thank Mrs. Adepoju for her leadership and mentorship. She has laid a solid foundation for me to build on. I also want to thank all the officers and men of the service for their dedication and loyalty. I look forward to working with you all to take the NIS to greater heights,” she said.
Source: VanguardÂ
