The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, following a viral video that has sparked outrage across the nation.
The video, titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” shows Ufuoma soliciting financial gratification from a traveler at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In a statement issued by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, the NIS condemned the behavior of the officer, stating that it runs contrary to the values and ethical standards upheld by the service.
“The actions of the officer do not reflect the professionalism that we strive to maintain within the Nigeria Immigration Service. This behavior undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at elevating the standards of our service,” Nandap emphasised.
The viral video, which has been widely circulated on social media, captures Ufuoma persistently requesting a bribe from a tourist.
In the viral video, the officer even expressed willingness to accept a card payment, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the integrity of his position.
Public reaction to the video has been one of anger and disappointment, with many Nigerians decrying the incident as a reflection of deeper systemic issues within the country’s public service.
Reacting to the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also released a statement through its Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
“The behaviour captured in that video is completely unacceptable and does not align with the passenger experience we aim to provide at our airports,” Kuku stated.
She assured the public that the officer in question has been removed from his duty post and is currently undergoing disciplinary procedures with the NIS.
Kuku further reiterated FAAN’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among all personnel working at Nigerian airports.
“We are taking every necessary step to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Passengers are encouraged to report any similar experiences immediately through the provided channels,” she added.
The NIS has made it clear that the suspension of Ufuoma is indefinite and will remain in effect pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
The agency has also emphasized its commitment to rooting out corrupt elements within its ranks.
“Our Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy is not just a slogan; it is a guiding principle that we are determined to enforce rigorously,” the NIS statement read.
The incident comes at a time when the NIS is actively working to implement several reforms aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing the overall experience for travelers.
One such reform is the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at all of the nation’s international airports.
These e-gates are designed to facilitate smoother and more efficient processing of passengers, thereby reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
“The installation of e-gates is part of our broader efforts to modernize our operations and ensure that all passengers have a seamless and corruption-free experience when traveling through Nigerian airports,” Nandap noted.
She expressed hope that these technological advancements, along with stricter enforcement of ethical standards, will help to restore public confidence in the NIS.