The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Thursday that it is set to introduce electronic visas (e-Visas), a move aimed at reducing inefficiencies and combatting corruption.
Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, made the announcement during the opening of the 3rd Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on ensuring efficient service delivery through a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, held at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The Service is on the brink of introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, designed to simplify the process for travelers wishing to visit Nigeria. This online system aims to enhance efficiency and convenience by eliminating human interactions in the application process, thereby reducing the opportunities for corruption,” Nandap explained.
The theme of the event was “Increased Digitalization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services.” Nandap further mentioned that the anti-corruption initiative would be expanded to all NIS Commands and Formations across the country.
Highlighting the measures implemented to address systemic corruption, Nandap shared that the recent automation of many NIS processes has minimized human contact, which in turn reduces the risk of corruption.
She encouraged the public to hold the Service accountable and offer constructive feedback while also recognizing personnel when they perform well.
Nandap emphasized the NIS’s vital role in national security, border management, and facilitating regular migration, noting that her decisions significantly influence Nigeria’s global image.
On the anti-corruption initiatives, Nandap added, “Last year, we made a solid commitment to tackle corruption in all its forms. To achieve this, we ramped up digitalization and introduced innovations to enhance service delivery and eliminate corruption within the Service.”
“One of our key innovations is the Passport Automation Programme, which has notably reduced processing times and simplified the process for Nigerians to obtain passports. This has also eliminated opportunities for corruption that existed in the old manual system, which involved higher human interaction.”
Another significant step in the fight against corruption is the Contactless Passport Application Process. This online system allows Nigerians to submit applications without physical contact with officers, ensuring a more efficient and corruption-free process.
Nandap also highlighted the introduction of e-gates at airports as a major advancement for security and passenger processing, which reduces manual interventions and the potential for corrupt practices.
Additionally, the implementation of body cameras by NIS officers is part of the strategy to boost transparency and accountability. These cameras help to prevent misconduct, gather evidence for legal processes, and rebuild public trust.
“Our collaboration with Interpol plays a crucial role in our anti-corruption efforts. By working with international law enforcement agencies, we can share intelligence and expertise to combat corruption and transnational crimes. I’m also proud to share that an NIS officer was recently certified as one of only five Interpol trainers in Nigeria, further bolstering our commitment to curbing corruption,” Nandap stated.
Moreover, in collaboration with national anti-corruption agencies such as SERVICOM, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the NIS is strengthening internal systems to ensure officers adhere to service delivery and ethical standards. Officers who breach these standards will face appropriate legal consequences, Nandap concluded.
