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Nigerian Immigration Service Suspends Officer Over Alleged Bribe Request At Lagos Airport
Ufuoma was caught on a viral video asking the tourist for money, the officer, unaware that he was being filmed, responded with “Common.”
Abuja, Nigeria- The Nigerian Immigration Service has suspended an officer identified as Okpravero Ufuoma, for allegedly requesting a bribe from a tourist at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.
Ufuoma was caught on a viral video asking the tourist for money, the officer, unaware that he was being filmed, responded with “Common.”
“If it comes from you, I am happy with anything,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap, in a statement released on Thursday by the Service Spokesperson, Mr Kenneth Uddo, in Abuja, stated that the officer at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, did not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has received a video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” in which one of its officers is seen soliciting financial gratification from a traveller.
“We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
“The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards. This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.
“The public is reminded that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all of the country’s international airports to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, particularly Nigerians. Among other benefits, this measure aims to prevent incidents like the one involving OKPRAVERO C. UFUOMA.”
Nandap stated that the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
She added that the NIS reiterates its commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its Zero-Tolerance for Corruption policy.
“We assure the public that the NIS will continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration,” she said.
