President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s tenure as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) until December 31, 2026. This decision was officially announced on March 31, 2025, marking a significant endorsement of Nandap’s leadership in the country’s immigration service.
Mrs. Nandap, who has been a member of the NIS since 1989, has earned a reputation for her dedication to improving the service’s operations. She was first appointed as the Comptroller-General of the NIS on March 1, 2024, with an initial term slated to run until August 31, 2025. However, with her tenure now extended, Nandap will continue leading the NIS for a further 18 months, solidifying her influence over key national security and immigration matters.
Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s career within the Nigeria Immigration Service dates back to October 9, 1989, when she first joined the agency. Over the years, she has climbed the ranks of the service, consistently proving her mettle in various capacities. Her extensive experience has positioned her as a trusted figure in the NIS, and her leadership has been marked by a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the service and strengthening Nigeria’s borders.
Before her appointment as Comptroller-General in 2024, Mrs. Nandap held several critical roles within the Immigration Service. Her prior experience, including managing border security, visa issuance, and migration policies, played a pivotal role in her selection for the top position.
Since taking office, Mrs. Nandap has focused on advancing the core mandate of the NIS, with particular attention to improving border management, modernizing immigration processes, and enhancing national security measures. Under her leadership, the NIS has made strides in addressing issues such as human trafficking, illegal migration, and the management of the country’s border posts, all while ensuring that immigration services are efficient and effective for both citizens and foreign nationals.
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend Mrs. Nandap’s tenure comes as a result of her commendable performance as the head of the NIS. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with Nandap’s leadership. He emphasized that her efforts have been vital to the success of several initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s immigration and security policies.
“Under Mrs. Nandap’s leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, including improvements in border management, the modernization of immigration processes, and the strengthening of national security measures,” the statement read.
Tinubu also commended Nandap’s ability to align her leadership with the strategic priorities of his administration, particularly the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This agenda focuses on the promotion of good governance, national security, and the sustainable development of key institutions, including the NIS. By extending Nandap’s tenure, the President hopes to further enhance the effectiveness of the immigration service in supporting the country’s broader goals.
The extension of Nandap’s tenure is seen as a recognition of her ability to navigate the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s immigration system. Her leadership has not only been effective in managing the nation’s borders but also in improving the service’s operational efficiency.
Since her appointment, Nandap has overseen several notable reforms aimed at modernizing the NIS. One of the key achievements under her leadership has been the enhancement of border security, which has helped curb the illegal movement of people and goods across Nigeria’s borders. Additionally, her administration has worked to digitize immigration processes, making it easier for citizens and foreigners to access services like visa applications, passport renewals, and border entry permits.
Another major focus of Mrs. Nandap’s leadership has been the development of systems to combat human trafficking and irregular migration. She has prioritized strengthening collaboration with international agencies and partners to tackle these issues, while also ensuring that Nigeria’s immigration policies are in line with global best practices.
Mrs. Nandap has also worked to improve the welfare and training of NIS personnel, recognizing that well-equipped and well-trained officers are essential to the success of any immigration service. Her efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the NIS have resulted in improved service delivery and greater public trust in the agency.
The extension of Mrs. Nandap’s tenure is seen as a vote of confidence in her ability to continue driving the Nigeria Immigration Service forward. The decision highlights the importance of strong, stable leadership in managing critical areas like border security and immigration services, especially in a country like Nigeria, which faces significant challenges related to migration, security, and international cooperation.
For President Tinubu, the extension aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring that Nigeria’s key institutions are led by competent and visionary individuals. By extending Nandap’s tenure, the President is signaling that he values continuity in leadership and recognizes the importance of having experienced leaders at the helm of critical agencies such as the NIS.
In addition, the extension serves as a message to other federal agencies that merit-based appointments and the achievement of set goals will be rewarded. This decision is likely to set a precedent for other institutions in the future, where leadership extensions may be granted based on performance rather than political considerations.
With her tenure now extended until December 2026, Mrs. Nandap has an opportunity to continue the work she has started and further solidify her legacy as a transformative leader within the NIS. Her leadership will be critical in addressing ongoing challenges in immigration management, such as improving border security, streamlining immigration processes, and ensuring that Nigeria remains compliant with international migration standards.
In particular, the coming years will likely see Nandap focus on enhancing the use of technology within the NIS, promoting smarter border control systems, and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to manage both regular and irregular migration. Her leadership will also be pivotal in ensuring that the NIS plays a key role in advancing the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, contributing to the country’s overall security and development.
For Mrs. Nandap, the extension of her tenure provides an opportunity to continue implementing her vision for a modern, secure, and efficient Nigeria Immigration Service. As she continues to work towards these goals, her leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s immigration policy for the next several years.
