The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to establish a Resource Centre aimed at harnessing the expertise of its retirees and engaging them in the development of the Service. This move is in line with best practices in security agencies. Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, made this announcement at the opening of a meeting of the National Association of Retired Immigration Officers (NARIO) in Abuja.
The meeting, themed "Strengthening Institution Capacity and Autonomy Amidst Operational Challenges: Repositioning the Nigeria Immigration Service for Border Security, Revenue Generation, Investment Promotion and Sustainable National Development," drew attention to the need for modern technology in effective border management. Nandap, represented by Jika Ogbeche, emphasized that the Service is undergoing a technological transformation to become a technology-driven, professional, and service-oriented agency.
The NIS Comptroller-General also pledged to address outstanding liabilities relating to retirees as a matter of priority. He directed the Deputy Comptroller-General (Finance and Account) to compile and forward all outstanding liabilities to his office. This move is expected to improve the welfare of retirees, which Nandap described as paramount to him.
The President of NARIO, Dr. Charles Okafor, called on the Ministry of Interior to revisit the conditions of retirement for Nigeria Immigration officers. This, he believes, will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Service even after retirement. Okafor also promised that the association would act as an advisory body to the leadership of NIS and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on matters relating to migration management and national security.
The conference brought together former Comptroller-Generals of NIS, retired Deputy Comptroller-Generals, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, and other ranks to deliberate on ways to take NIS to greater heights. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the Service's capacity and autonomy in the face of operational challenges.
The NIS Resource Centre is expected to play a crucial role in promoting collaboration between the Service and its retirees. By tapping into the expertise of retirees, the Service aims to enhance its operations and achieve its goals in border security, revenue generation, investment promotion, and sustainable national development.
The establishment of the Resource Centre and the engagement of retirees are part of the Service's efforts to reposition itself as a technology-driven, professional, and service-oriented agency. This move aligns with the renewed Hope Agenda of the President and is expected to have a positive impact on the nation's security and development.
Key points
- Nigeria Immigration Service to establish a Resource Centre to tap into expertise of retirees.
- The Service aims to enhance its operations and achieve its goals in border security, revenue generation, investment promotion, and sustainable national development.
- The Ministry of Interior is called upon to revisit the conditions of retirement for Nigeria Immigration officers.
