Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called on newly graduated cadets not to use their uniforms to intimidate or exploit Nigerians but use it to serve and protect the integrity of the nation.
Tunji-Ojo who serves as the reviewing officer, made the call during the passing out parade of 689 cadets of the 50th Superintendent Basic Course, SBC of the Immigration Training School, Kano.
The Minister who was represented by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) called on the cadets to uphold discipline, display professionalism and maintain zero tolerance for corruption.
He expressed the readiness of the ministry to support the service to prioritize their training, welfare and institutional growth to ensure they succeed.
According to him, “You are entering a new era of service – one defined not by uniform and rank, but by digital competence, emotional intelligence and a customer-centric mind-set. You will be the face of this reforms. You should ensure they are not just systems but solutions.
“In your conduct uphold discipline, display professionalism and maintain zero tolerance for corruption. Your uniform is a symbol of authority – use it to protect not to intimidate, to serve not to exploit. Additionally, always remember you are the face of our nation at its gates.
“The Ministry will continue to support the Service to prioritizing training, welfare and institutional growth. A modern Service begins with well-trained personnel who are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the tools and environment to succeed,” he said.
The Minister said with reforms put in place by the President Bola Tinubu led administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the management of the service is in a threshold of new era.
“We are at the threshold of a new era in immigration management – an era defined by digital innovation, operational efficiency and citizen-centric service delivery. I will use this occasion to highlight key policy initiatives recently undertaken by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, aimed at modernizing our immigration systems and simplifying processes for all. Some of these innovations are: Introduction of Electronic Gates (E-Gates), The Electronic Landing and Exit Card System Electronic CERPAC (Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card), Personal Electronic Passport Application Portal, Centralization of Passport Production and Real-time Electronic Border Surveillance.
“These reforms are not just technological upgrades, they are reflections of our vision for a smarter, more secure and more service-oriented immigration system. The cumulative impact of these innovations includes:Enhanced National Security, Increase Operational Efficiency, Greater Transparency and Accountability, Improve Public Trust and satisfaction and Alignment with the Global Standard.
“Let me remind us all that Nigeria Immigration Service remains a strategic arm of national security and internal affairs. In today’s world, the movement of people and goods is at the heart of both opportunity and threat. As such, managing our borders, regulating migration and preventing transnational crimes are responsibilities that demands not only strength and skill but also wisdom, integrity and compassion,” the Minister, Tunji-Ojo however stated.
In her remarks, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, said the reforms were repositioning the NIS in line with global standards.
Nandap commended President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Interior for their steadfast support and reform-driven leadership in shaping the Nigerian Immigration Service into a modern, technology-driven agency.
She listed key initiatives including the deployment of e-Border solutions, creation of a Special Border Force, introduction of body cameras at airports, advanced passenger information systems, electronic expatriate residence permits, and the new eVisa application channel.
She urged the cadets to reject unethical practices and serve as champions of institutional reforms.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Immigration Training School, Kano, Comptroller Idris Akande-Ozigi, said the cadets had undergone six months of intensive training to prepare them for the challenges of national service.
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