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Tag: NIS

  • BREAKING! Two NIS officers alegedly killed in Borno attack

    BREAKING! Two NIS officers alegedly killed in Borno attack

    Two personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service have lost their lives following a Boko Haram attack in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

    According to sources, the incident occurred last Thursday, but the news only filtered out late due to poor telecommunications in the area.

    Monguno, located about 136 kilometres from Maiduguri in Northern Borno Senatorial District, has remained a flashpoint in the insurgency.

    It was gathered that troops quickly mobilised to repel the assault, though the number of casualties on the side of the insurgents could not be immediately confirmed.

    Confirming the development on Saturday, a military source said: “The remains of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue awaiting burial, as their families and relatives have been briefed about the sad news.”

    Details shortly…

  • Nigeria’s new passport fees spark outcry, mixed experiences

    Nigeria’s new passport fees spark outcry, mixed experiences

    A cross-section of Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s 100 per cent increase in international passport fees which took effect on Sept. 1.

    They, however, urged transparency on the reasons for the hike and called for quicker reforms to address lingering service challenges at passport offices.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday, Aug. 28 announced the upward review of passport fees, and the need to sustain the new enhanced e-passport regime.

    The NIS said the review was to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport, adding that with the new rates, applications made in Nigeria will now cost N100,000 for a 32-page booklet with five-year validity.

    Applications made in Nigeria for a 64-page booklet with 10 years validity will cost N200, 000.

    Applications made by Nigerians in the diaspora remain $150 for a 32-page booklet with five-year validity and $230 for a 64-page booklet with 10-year validity.

    Residents, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja voiced differing opinions on the policy.

    Mrs Aisha Musa, a small-scale trader applying for a first-time passport said that the N100,000 charge for the 32-page, five-year booklet was “simply crushing.”

    “How many market women can produce N100,000 just to get a passport? The government says it wants quality, but it must also think of struggling families,” she said.

    Miss Toluwani Johnson, a student of University of Abuja, described the hike as “another barrier for young people.

    She said that many young people saved for the old N50,000, adding that doubling it would make study abroad or holiday trips harder.

    According to her, I need a passport for postgraduate admission abroad. Saving N100,000, plus transport and other travel documents, is very hard.

    “Many students like me, may postpone their dreams. This is sad and disheartening,”she lamented.

    Mr Success Daniel , a travel consultant admitted processing speed had improved but warned against complacency.

    “I got an appointment online within 48 hours. If I collect in under two weeks, I might accept the new cost. But Nigerians will not tolerate the old delays at double price,” he said.

    Another travel agent, Mr Abdullahi Adamu, who helped clients process visas and other travel documents, said that the review was expected, given recent reforms.

    Adamu said that the technology and security upgrades cost money but must deliver results urging that the government must make sure the system works.

    “No failed networks, no touts, no endless waiting,” he maintained.

    Mr Benson Eze, an engineer and car dealer said that speed of processing, not cost, remained a major worry and concern, explaining that many applicants valued certainty over repeated visits.

    According to him, If I can apply online, capture once and collect in seven days, I will accept it. The issue has always been delay and extra charges.

    “NIS and the Ministry of Interior need to do better in their service delivery. If not, this increment will amount to nothing but mere discomfort on the people,” he emphasised.

    Also, Mrs Ngozi Kalu, a civil servant renewing her booklet, voiced concern over “hidden” payments.

    She, however, urged tighter supervision of front-desk staff, adding that many residents still fear unofficial payments even when receipts were issued.

    “Even now, some officers whisper about facilitation money. If we are paying so much, we must see total automation and zero extortion,” she insisted.

    A retired civil servant, Mr Adeniyi Adekunle, also  lamented the lengthy process of securing an international passport.

    He stressed that “a responsible government should not only chase revenue but also deliver on its promises.”

    In response to such concerns, the Federal Government had pledged a major turnaround in passport issuance.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that, following sweeping reforms, Nigerians will now receive their passports within one week of enrolment.

    “Every Nigerian should have their passport in hand without unnecessary delay. Our goal is not just faster delivery but quality passports that reflect the integrity and dignity of our nation,” he assured.

    Tunji-Ojo said that the new system was designed to eliminate long delays and extortion that once forced citizens to wait six months to seven months and pay excessively for fast-track processing.

    He also explained that the centralised personalisation centre will ensure faster processing and stricter security.

    “With this facility, we can print five times more passports than we currently need; once you enrol, it doesn’t take us more than 24 hours to vet as printing capacity is no longer our problem,” he said.

    The minister said that Passport Control Officers, PCOs, would no longer have powers to approve or delay passport applications.

    “This reform is aimed at curbing racketeering, eliminating delays and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s travel documents.

    “We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum,” he assured.

    NAN

  • NIS begins deportation of 42 convicted foreign nationals

    NIS begins deportation of 42 convicted foreign nationals

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will begin the deportation of 42 nationals from China and the Philippines today, Sunday, August 18, 2025.

    These individuals were convicted of cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme offenses. This group is the first batch out of a total of 192 convicted foreigners, and they are scheduled to leave Nigeria this afternoon.

    They were among the 759 suspects arrested during a major raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The NIS has announced that the repatriation exercise will continue on Monday and Tuesday, with additional batches scheduled to be airlifted to their home countries.

    The syndicate was operating a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme before security agencies intervened in one of Nigeria’s largest anti-cybercrime operations.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the cases, confirmed that 192 foreigners, comprising both Chinese and Philippine nationals, were convicted in connection with the fraudulent activities.

    The EFCC disclosed that the charges included the use of fake online identities to defraud victims, training staff of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, and other violations under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

    Speaking on the development, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, hailed the deportations as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.

    He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to intensify investigations, recover looted funds, and restore national dignity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive.

    The December 2024 raid, which resulted in the arrest of over 700 suspects, is regarded as one of the most extensive crackdowns on transnational financial crimes in Nigeria’s history.

  • Immigration cautions Nigerians against misusing U. S. visas

    Immigration cautions Nigerians against misusing U. S. visas

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued an advisory urging Nigerians to use their U.S. visas responsibly and in strict compliance with the stated purpose of their application.

    This follows concerns raised by the U.S. Government over the misuse of visas by some Nigerian citizens.

    In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer,(SPR0), Akinsola Akinlabi, said Nigerians holding U.S. visas must adhere to the terms and conditions under which the visas were granted.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.

    “All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications

    “U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.

    “Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.

    According to him, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to comply fully with its immigration regulations.

    He also advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to remain in active study programmes and refrain from unauthorised withdrawal or absenteeism.

    He noted that such actions could result in visa cancellation and the loss of future eligibility for U.S. travel.

    The NIS warned that the U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel for the purpose of giving birth, in a bid to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

    “The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions,” he said.

    “We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities.

  • Foreigners attempting to obtain Nigerian passports to be prosecuted – NIS

    Foreigners attempting to obtain Nigerian passports to be prosecuted – NIS

    The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has begun a capacity building training for its Passport Control Officers (PCOs), announcing its commitment to prosecute foreigners arrested while attempting to obtain Nigerian passports.

    The NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said this at the opening of the three-day workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nandap said that the workshop, themed “Strengthening Identity Management through Innovations in Passport Administration”, was designed for PCOs from across the country.

    She said that the service was taking steps to immediately prosecute some arrested  individuals by extant laws, vowing that the era of impunity was over.

    She said the participants will learn about ICT integration, customer satisfaction, and document vetting.

    “This is an essential skill for their role as gatekeepers of national identity, ” Nandap said.

    The NIS boss issued a stern warning against malpractices and other forms of illegal acts and misconducts by personnel.

    “I want you to know that this workshop is not a joke, because rising from this three-day workshop, any officer, any person who is caught, whether in your service, whether in your station or your post, will be dealt with.

    “This is because you will be responsible for everyone under your command. I mean every one of your officers, you are there to supervise them.

    “We will hold everyone accountable. You must know what is happening in your area, in your post,” Nandap said.

    She urged the participants to be proactive and thorough in their duties, emphasising that the Nigerian passport is a symbol of trust and that anyone being issued the passport must be a Nigerian.

    “Anyone who holds that passport, you are saying that you have certified that person as a bona fide, true Nigerian. That is what it means.

    “So before you issue anybody that passport, make sure that, yes, you are satisfied that this person is a bona fide Nigerian.

    “That is what our Act says and that is what you must all do because we are getting too many incessant issues of non-Nigerians acquiring our passports,” she said.

    The NIS CG , however, commended the PCOs for their vigilance and swift reporting protocol across all passport offices in the country.

    “Please increase your vigilance because I know a lot of your Commands, a lot of Passport Officers have reported these cases and of course, our Legal team is working on it.

    “We will make sure that we prosecute them. They will not go free. Not anymore. It is not acceptable”, she said.

    She also warned against extortion and other forms of corruption, promising severe sanctions for offenders and rewards for excellence.

    Nandap urged officers to work quickly and meet deadlines, stressing that all proper security checks must be completed before issuing a passport.

    According to her, the passport was a symbol of the nation and must be issued with absolute integrity.

    Nandap emphasised the importance of immigration officers understanding how to assess an individual’s nationality.

    She named factors such as speech patterns, appearance, and other criteria could be used to help determine if someone was not a Nigerian saying that it was  essential for officers to be aware of those factors.

  • No escape route for criminals fleeing Nigeria – Immigration

    No escape route for criminals fleeing Nigeria – Immigration

    The Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Lagos State Command,  Aliyu Akadri has warned criminals trying to flee the country that there is no escape route as the service remained prepared for them.

    Akadri, gave the warning during a visit to the  Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh on Tuesday at the command headquarters in  Ikeja.

    According to him, the Federal government has provided the NIS with sophisticated gadgets and equipment to monitor movements in and out of the country.

    “Once we get an order from the court that a criminal is wanted or they are looking for a person, we remain at alert.

    “The government has assisted us in so many ways by making our job very easy, there is no way a criminal can sneak out of the country now that we have acquired some new security gadgets.

    “Any criminal that plans to  flee the country should better have a rethink because he/she  will surely be apprehended, even If they  take an illegal route,” he said.

    The immigration boss said that his purpose for the visit is to strengthen collaboration in crime fighting and intelligence gathering.

    “It is important that police and immigration synergised for security of Lagos state and the country at large.

    “The purpose of our visit is to consolidate, collaborate, synergise, and  transform the relationship between the police and the NIS.

    “If there is any intelligence report we gathered, we can easily send it to the police and vice versa, ” he said.

    The comptroller said that no agency could  do the job of security alone without  collaboration.

    “With the security situation in Nigeria, no agency must be underated, all  security agencies are one, we are all working for the same goal which is to protect Nigeria, ” he said.

    Responding, the commissioner  assured the NIS boss that the meeting would further strengthen the existing collaboration between the immigration and  police in their joint security efforts.

    “The NIS’s visit to my office is a testimony of a cordial relationship we have been enjoying over the years.

    “I want to assure you that we are going to strengthen this cooperation to achieve maximum productivity for the nation.

    “On a daily basis, we do a lot of things in common to ensure that we are serving the same nation.

    “We should continue to be on the same page to work together in a collaborative manner, ” the commissioner said.

    According to him, co-ordination between the two agencies will  take centre stage to ensure that  people of Lagos and visitors alike enjoy the best security cooperation between the agencies.

  • Why I’m back to school at NIS – Yobo

    Why I’m back to school at NIS – Yobo

    Joseph Yobo, a former captain of the Super Eagles has said that the desire to get certified as a competent sports administrator was behind his decision to enroll at the foremost sports institution in Africa, National Institute of Sports (NIS), Lagos.

    Yobo made the submission when members of the NIS Advisory Committee led by the Director General, Philip Shaibu visited his classroom, during an inspection tour on Monday.

    The committee visited the hostel, library, gyms, offices, conference room, among others of the 51-year-old institution.

    At Yobo’s classroom, where he takes lecture as a student of Sports Management, Yobo and others, said they aimed to be certified sports administrator, which would enhance their  knowledge about sports.

    “From my background as a former player and a coach, I want to have the requisite experience and certification in sports management and administration.

    “I believe that as a sports person, there is no knowledge too small, I need to widen my mindset from the school,” Yobo said.

    A student, Abiodun Ajayi said: “I intend to mobilise more grassroots participation in the game of Volleyball.

    “It has been a while that we have had grassroots development programme for volleyball, especially at the secondary level.

    “I want to bring my skills and knowledge to nurture the youths to stardom,” he said.

    Akpan Charity, a student from Cross Rivers State Sports Commission, said she needed a proof as a certified sports manager.

    “I want to be a certified sports manager apart from carrying the title at work.

    “I have some rudimentary knowledge of kick boxing, but I crave to have the requisite certification, which necessitated my desire to come to NIS.

    Also, Ariyo Olayiwola said he was in NIS to learn the real intricacies of sports management.

    “Although I know it from peripheral but going deep into it, NIS is the best platform to learn how it can be done,” he said.

    Responding from the the observation of having a proper internship for the students, Shaibu said that the school would henceforth look into the practical part of the institute’s curriculum.

  • Lagos LG election: Why we did not close the border – Immigration

    Lagos LG election: Why we did not close the border – Immigration

    Comptroller Absullahi Adamu of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Seme Border Command, has said the service did not receive any directives to close the border for the Lagos State local government election.

    Adamu told NAN in Seme on Saturday, that the border is an international one, under exclusive list. According to Adamu, we have not received any letter from Lagos State Government or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the election.

    “Closing of an international border should come from higher authority. There is no information regarding  restriction of movement till 3.00.p.m, so our status quo remains,” he said.

    According to him,  the  border cannot be closed against people coming into the country but we can only advise them to wait till 3.00.p.m after stamping them in  before leaving the border.

    Adamu said that foreigners coming into the country through the border would be urged to hang somewhere, after stamping their passports till 3.00.p.m before leaving the border.

    He, however, said the command would act accordingly if they received order to restrict movement.

    LG polls: Police restrict vehicular passage on Lekki Toll Gate

    Meanwhile, vehicular passage at the Admiralty-Lekki Toll Gate was strictly prohibited for the election due to police presence.

    This is because of the elections being held across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

    Police officers were stationed at the gate enforcing the restriction and turning back vehicles.

    Only essential personnel, such as INEC officials, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, and security operatives on election duty were allowed to pass through.

    However, some residents in the area seized the opportunity to take to the streets to unwind.

    With the absence of cars, streets became impromptu spaces for exercise and community bonding.

    Joggers and cyclists took advantage of the car-free roads to enjoy a safer and more scenic route.

    One of them, who preferred anonymity, expressed joy for being able to exercise without disturbance on the road.

    He said, “I am also enjoying the police presence. It makes my exercise security free.

    “Although, I did not vote because I didn’t know who to vote for. However, I hope the voting process is free and without any violence.”

  • Shaibu vows to deliver Tinubu’s mandate for NIS

    Shaibu vows to deliver Tinubu’s mandate for NIS

    The newly appointed Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has described his appointment as a product of divine favour.

    Speaking during a special thanksgiving service at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin on Sunday, Shaibu promised to align his leadership with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    The new director general, who is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo, appreciated Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of reforming and repositioning the nation’s foremost sports training institution.

    “I consider this appointment not just an honour, but a divine arrangement. It is a call to national duty and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to youth and sports development in Nigeria,” he said.

    The event drew a distinguished audience, including Deputy Governor of Edo, Dennis Idahosa.

    In his remarks, Idahosa congratulated Shaibu, describing his appointment as well-deserved and a testament to his resilience and dedication to public service.

    The deputy governor expressed confidence that the former deputy governor would reposition the NIS for greater national impact.

    “I have no doubt that Philip Shaibu will deliver. His track record speaks for itself, and I believe the National Institute for Sports is in good hands,” Idahosa said.

    Shaibu, in response, assured that he and Idahosa would remain exemplary ambassadors of Edo.

    He pledged to champion policies that would reflect the state’s progressive values and further Nigeria’s sports development goals.

    The ceremony was followed by a reception at Shaibu’s residence on Adeyan Avenue, where friends, political associates, and supporters gathered to celebrate the milestone.

  • NIS must deliver on its mandates – Comrade Shaibu

    NIS must deliver on its mandates – Comrade Shaibu

    Comrade Philip Shaibu has said the National Institute for Sports (NIS) must deliver on its mandates under him as Director General (DG).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Comrade Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, said this as he assumes duties as the new DG of NIS.

    Shaibu was received by the management staff of the institution upon arrival on Monday at the NIS headquarters in Lagos State.

    He was subsequently joined by NIS Directors in the conference room, where he received the handover notes from his predecessor, Professor Morolayo Fasakin, represented by Mrs Omonude.

    In a brief remark, the new DG appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the trust and confidence reposed in him.

    Shaibu assured that he will do his best with a profound sense of duty, responsibility and dedication to unreservedly serve the country along with the President’s renewed hope agenda.

    He promised to lead by example and sustain collaboration with relevant partners and requested for cooperation of staff towards achieving the targets set for the institution.

    “I have come here to work with you in line with the mandate of Mr. President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda.

    “Our business here is sports. Mr. President has a vision for sports in Nigeria for the country to take its pride of place in Africa and beyond.

    “So, ours here is to train world-class coaches and athletes that will go out there as our products and excel.

    “We must turn things around. All over the world, there is a shortage of paramedics; we must produce them.

    “I am drafted here by Mr. President. I have come and I must deliver. We need to wake up; we must deliver on our tasks.

    “We will train our coaches, athletes and paramedics for the world. We have the potential, and I believe in collective work. So, NIS must deliver on its mandate,” Shaibu said.

    Upon his resumption of duties, the new DG has also held a meeting with the NIS staff in Abuja, where he solicited their understanding to deliver on the President’s renewed hope agenda.