The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has urged Nigerians to stop patronising touts and middlemen for passport processing, insisting that the NIS now provides 24-hour, fully digital channels designed to eliminate exploitation and enhance transparency.
Nandap gave the warning on Friday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the fourth-quarter Nationwide Sensitisation Campaign against corruption and for improved service delivery.
Speaking on the campaign theme, “Innovating for Transparency and Efficiency: Strengthening Service Delivery and Combating Corruption Through Reforms,” the Immigration chief said Nigerians must take advantage of the Service’s modernised systems rather than rely on informal agents.
“You don’t have to go to a tout; you don’t have to go to an agent,” Nandap declared.
“You can apply for most of our facilities from the comfort of your home. Once you avoid putting yourself at someone’s mercy, you stay in control of your application and can always reach us at any time.”
She said the NIS now operates functional 24-hour call lines, an active call centre, and constantly monitored email and social media platforms to ensure that citizens’ inquiries and applications are handled promptly.
According to her, recent reforms—including automated passport applications, biometric verification, expanded digital infrastructure and streamlined service-centre operations—have reduced delays and closed loopholes long exploited by corrupt officials and touts.
Nandap added that the introduction of automated scheduling and digital communication systems has significantly improved passport processing timelines across various commands.
She described transparency as the “bedrock of effective immigration management,” noting that the NIS has strengthened internal audits, enforced stricter ethical codes and redesigned workflows to limit human interference.
“With digital payments and automated checkpoints reducing cash interactions, we are committed to stamping out malpractice at all levels,” she said.
The CG also highlighted ongoing collaborations with sister agencies, civil society organisations, international partners and the diplomatic community to align NIS operations with global border-management standards.
She urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with official procedures, use verified platforms and report any challenges or misconduct through hotlines, online desks and suggestion boxes.
“We are here for Nigerians. Tell us how to serve you better,” she appealed.
Nandap also paid tribute to immigration officers who recently lost their lives in Mogolu, Tuga, Tula and Niger State, describing their deaths as a painful reminder of the daily risks faced by personnel.
She called for collective responsibility in supporting the Service’s reforms, saying: “The change we want starts with each and every one of us.”
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