A Public Affairs Analyst, Umar Musa, has written to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, accusing the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) of extorting the sum of N1 million from each expatriate for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) and remitting less than N200,000 to the government.
Musa in the letter he personally signed which is dated October 6, 2023, and addressed to the Minister of Interior, also faulted the NIS’ failure to the personnel of the service their peculiar and rent allowances approved for the Federal Government ministries and agencies by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
He further faulted the poor salaries being paid to Immigration Service officers, saying that it is disheartening that there is a significant disparity in the salary structure of immigration officers compared to those in other sister agencies like the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Customs Service, amongst others.
According to Musa, it is a cause for concern to notice that an Inspector of Police earns more than an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, adding that witnessing high-ranking officers face challenges including trekking or struggling for public transportation after work is demoralizing and disheartening.
He stressed that the lack of adequate financial incentives for immigration officers only fuels the desperation and need for them to engage in unscrupulous activities to make ends meet and that such desperation often leads to passport hustling which has become one of the major problems in the interior ministry.
The letter he titled ‘Urgent Attention Needed on Key Issues Beyond Passport Reforms’ reads, “Firstly, I would like to express my commendation for the impactful strides you have made in implementing the much-needed reforms in the Nigerian Passport system. The timely clearing of backlogs and the efforts towards expedited processing of new applications are truly praiseworthy.
“However, as a concerned citizen and public affairs analyst, I feel it is crucial to bring to your attention certain critical issues within the Nigeria Immigration Service that require your immediate attention.
“While passport application processing is indeed a major challenge, there are several underlying problems that need to be addressed in tandem to ensure the overall efficiency and well-being of the officers and men in your ministry.
“Firstly, it is disheartening to note the significant disparity in the salary structure of immigration officers and men compared to those in other sister agencies such as the Police, DSS, Customs, and others.
“It is a cause for concern when an Inspector of Police earns more than an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration. Witnessing high-ranking officers face challenges such as trekking or struggling for transportation after work is demoralizing and disheartening.
“The lack of adequate financial incentives only fuels the desperation and need for officers to engage in unscrupulous activities to make ends meet. This desperation often leads to passport hustling, which we all strive to eliminate.
“Therefore, I implore you to rectify this issue by addressing the salary structure of immigration officers, providing them with the well-deserved encouragement and better remuneration.
“Additionally, it has come to my attention that despite the approval of peculiar and rent allowances for immigration service officers, no payment has been made thus far. In contrast, other agencies within your ministry swiftly received their approved allowances.
“This discrepancy is not only unfair but also exacerbates the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. Therefore, I urge you to expedite the payment of allowances to immigration service officers, as it will greatly alleviate their financial burden and allow them to focus more on their critical duties.
“Furthermore, there is an urgent need to address the excessive contracts within the immigration system, particularly regarding the issuance of CERPAC cards. It is disconcerting to learn that each expatriate pays over N1 million for a CERPAC card, of which less than N200,000 reaches the government coffers.
“The remaining amount seems to be unduly absorbed by high-level cabal companies that are not associated with the Immigration Service. I suggest exploring the possibility of having immigration officers render these services, or alternatively, consider converting the staff of these companies into immigration officers.
“Not only would this ensure the security of data, but it would also result in substantial savings for the government. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the presence of these companies in the Passport units as well and terminate their involvement.
“Lastly, training for immigration officers should be given top priority. It has come to my attention, through an anonymous officer, that officers recruited in 2021 have yet to receive the required training.
“Furthermore, there are plans for future recruitment in 2023, despite the fact that previous officers are still awaiting training, despite the allocated funds. Such delays would never be tolerated in any other paramilitary organizations, such as the police, DSS, or even the army.
“Investing in the training and development of immigration officers is vital to their effective performance and professional growth. I beseech you to ensure that training for all officers, both current and future recruits, is expedited without further delay.
“Honorable Minister, there is no doubt that a significant amount of work lies ahead of you. However, I can attest to the fact that the officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service are eager and willing to cooperate with you to achieve success in your tenure.
“By addressing the key issues surrounding their welfare and garnering their trust and motivation, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.”