The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has disclosed that it generated local revenue totaling N38.532 billion in 2017nfrom passport revenue, address verification fee, non-refundable administration fee, e-passport among others.
This was as the Service further disclosed that it generated a whopping US$$28,850, 654. 00 from passports and $1, 087,950.00 from carrier liability/visa on arrival for foreign visitors. The comptroller general, Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede made this known on Wednesday, during an operational review meeting with zonal coordinators and comptrollers of Immigration in Abuja.
According to him, part of the revenue generated was paid into the government coffers, while service providers and other stakeholders got their share. The NIS boss explained that the service under his leadership has introduced “Service Windows” in all state commands, zonal and service headquarters for receiving applications requesting immigration services. This, he said, was geared towards curtailing interface in service delivery and to prevent the act of extortion, bribery and corruption.
The breakdown of the expenditure shows that N10 billion was paid to Iris Technologies, N1.4 billion to New works Solutions, N303 million to the National e-Government, and N744 million to Greater Washington. Babandede said that N15 billion was paid to Contec, the NIS technical partner on resident permits, N219 million to the Federal Ministry of Interior for supervision of the issuance of resident permits, and N2 billion to NIS “payment to IP Telcom’’.
Babandede, who placed emphasis on strict adherence to the provisions of the public service rules and discipline, warned officers against wearing wrong badges/ rank, those on Inspectorate Cadre in compliance to the Service Dress Code, appropriate hair, jewellery and make-up. The Immigration CG further challenged his men and officers to justify their pay with result by also embracing President Muhammadu Buhari’s initiative on the Ease of Doing Business as well as opportunities provided in the agricultural sector for a sustainable alternative as they approach retirement.
He expressed delight at the recent commendation accorded the service for being proactive. He also applauded the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for presenting them with a trophy in recognition of their contributions to the Ease of Doing Business reform in Nigeria. The CG also assured of the Service readiness to continue to partner with INEC in the discharge of its duties. Babandede explained that the service had begun sensitisation of its personnel on the need to double the efforts to ensure non-Nigerians don’t present themselves for registration as voters in the ongoing Voter registration exercise. He noted that credible elections were critical to the stability of any nation, and the elimination of civil wars and crisis which more than often led to increased migration issues. Mr Babandede assured that the NIS would deploy its men to registration centres and polling units during elections to identify and fish out foreigners.
