President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), for an additional period until December 31, 2026. This decision, which was publicly announced on March 31, 2025, is a recognition of Nandap’s leadership and the strides made under her tenure.
Nandap’s appointment as the head of the NIS was initially made on March 1, 2024, following the retirement of the former Comptroller-General. Her original tenure was set to end in August 2025. However, after a year in office, she has been granted an extension that aligns with the administration’s priorities for national security and immigration management.
Reason for Extension
The extension of her tenure underscores the significant progress made by Nandap in key areas such as border security, immigration processing, and revenue generation. The Nigeria Immigration Service, under her guidance, has focused on enhancing internal security by modernizing its visa and border control systems, improving the issuance of passports, and tackling illegal immigration.
President Tinubu commended Nandap for her outstanding performance, noting that she had consistently aligned the NIS’s activities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, which seeks to address national security challenges and improve government service delivery across agencies.
Reforms and Achievements
Since Nandap took over the helm of the NIS, several reforms have been initiated, including streamlining visa processes, modernizing immigration documentation systems, and improving personnel welfare. Additionally, her leadership has focused on boosting the agency’s revenue collection capabilities, which has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s fiscal health.
Her tenure has also been marked by enhanced collaboration between the NIS and other security agencies, aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring effective regulation of migration into the country. The extension gives Nandap the opportunity to solidify and further these reforms.
Public Response
The announcement has been met with praise from stakeholders within the NIS, as well as national security experts, who have recognized Nandap’s ability to lead and execute the challenging mandates of the Immigration Service.
Nandap’s extended tenure is seen as part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to ensure stability and continuity in key federal institutions during his administration. This will allow Nandap to continue her ongoing projects and play a crucial role in advancing the goals set out by the government in securing Nigeria’s borders and regulating migration.
The extended leadership tenure also serves as a message of commitment to security and immigration reform, as the federal government works to combat illegal immigration, trafficking, and other border-related challenges that have historically affected Nigeria’s security framework.
Looking Ahead
With the extension until 2026, Nandap now has more time to build on the foundation she has laid and continue working with both national and international partners to strengthen the NIS. As the head of one of Nigeria’s most vital agencies, her leadership will be critical in the coming years as the nation looks to secure its borders, streamline immigration policies, and manage migration in line with global standards.
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