FG tasks new Comptroller-General of NIS on purposeful leadership

The Federal Government has called for purposeful leadership in the Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) under its new Comptroller-General, Mr Martin Abeshi.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, made the call in his office in Abuja while decorating Mr Abeshi as the substantive Comptroller-General of the service.

According to Magaji, purposeful leadership will make NIS align with the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“Purposeful leadership will help NIS to align with policies of the present administration which are anchored on objectivity, rule of law, prudence, fairness and justice.

“You(Abeshi) are expected to redirect the affairs of NIS on the path of honour where extant rules and regulations, due process and standard practice are followed in conduct of its activities.

“Alleged excess charges for Nigeria’s standard passport, indiscriminate issuance of diplomatic passports and sharp practices associated with NIS should be immediately addressed,” he said.

Magaji added that adequate attention should be paid to the management of Nigeria’s land, air and water borders, and that more personnel should be deployed for effective manning of the borders.

“Border patrol and prevention of illegal migrants rests squarely on NIS, any failure in that direction will not be tolerated by the government,” he said.

The permanent secretary said the appointment of the CG by the FG was purely based on objectivity and competence of the officer.

He called on the heads and directors of other agencies under the ministry to maintain discipline and observe professionalism in all matters.

In his response, Abeshi said NIS would be repositioned to be more effective in the discharge of its statutory duties.

“With the cooperation of all officers and men of NIS, we shall give a citizen inclusive immigration service.

“I also seek the support of governments at all levels , sister security services and again, commitment of all officers and men of NIS, in realising the objectives,” he said.

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for considering him worthy of the appointment.