Nigerians with expired passports have been formally allowed to come back into the country for the Yuletide and New Year holiday, an unconfirmed letter from the Nigeria Immigration Service has stated.
The letter which was written by the Officer of the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of the Border Management Directorate of the NIS on behalf of the Comptroller General and directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs read that: “Federal Government of Nigeria in her efforts to make life easy for Nigerians in
diaspora has approved that all Nigerians returning home can be admitted into the
country with their expired Nigerian passports.
The letter titled: “Authority to Board/Admit Nigerians with Expired Nigeria Passports”, further read: “I am further directed to inform airlines coming to Nigeria to allow holders of Nigeria expired passport to board without let.
“In furtherance to the foregoing, all Nigeria Embassies and High Commissions
are advised to give this directive the highest publicity it deserves.
“Consequent upon the above, all entry/exit points are by the copy of this letter
directed to open a help desk for all Nigerians in this category and directed same to passport offices where their passports will be reissued within a maximum of two weeks.”
When contacted, the spokesman of the NIS, Adedotun Aridegbe did not denied nor confirmed the letter.
However, top officers of the Service who spoke anonymously said: “Though I have not seen this circular, and therefore, cannot confirm the authenticity of the letter, however, the content is authentic because it’s not new.
“For some years now, we have been admitting Nigerians returning home with expired Passports.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has expressed displeasure with alleged unprofessional activities at the Seme border, and has directed that immediate action be taken to ensure these are stamped out.
Aridegbe, in a statement on Saturday said: “In compliance with the directive, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, pcc+, fsi, has declared that these allegations, if proven true, will be meted with severe consequences because they are not reflective of the values and standards upheld by the NIS.
“The CGI expresses her dismay at the alleged behavior and wants to assure the public that immediate steps are being taken to investigate the matter thoroughly. The NIS is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.
“In response to these allegations, the NIS is implementing changes at our borders to ensure the smooth passage of migrants without compromising national security.
“The Comptroller General is personally overseeing these changes to address any shortcomings and to reinforce a culture of accountability within the Service.”
The statement further read that, The Service assures the public that all feedback and complaints will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to address any misconduct.”
It further read that: “The Comptroller General is confident that, with the continued support of the Honourable Minister of Inter, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his dedication to fostering a disciplined and effective workforce within the NIS, the Service will overcome challenges and strengthen its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and public trust.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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