Alleged Passport Racketeering in South Eastern States: Immigration to bring perpetrators to book

The Nigeria Immigration Service has expressed its resolve to bring to book perpetrators of passport racketeering in the South East.

A report by a prominent media organisation had exposed illegal passport dealings in Abia, Imo State and Enugu States. The report exposed passport booklets prices being increased three to five fold and applicants treated without regard.

In a reaction however, the Service has vowed not to let this slip as it contravenes everything it is currently fighting to uproot.

The Comptroller General of the Service, Caroline Wura-Ola has equally set up a committee to probe and round up perpetrators.

A statement e-Signed by Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Aridegbe Adedotun PhD said this new information reared its head at an inopportune time.

The statement read,”This report of alleged misconduct is coming at an inopportune time when the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has declared that passport documents are a right and not a privilege with plans to further reduce wait time to 96 hours.

“It is against this backdrop that the Minister through the Comptroller General of the Service, Caroline Wura-Ola has given a marching order to the Passport Control Officers ( PCO) in the region.

“Already, a committee has been set up to investigate the myriad of complaints that have emanated from these zones. The committee has also been mandated to sanction erring officers and will take disciplinary action on officers previously caught illegally racketeering passports.

“Both the Minister and the CGI have declared zero-tolerance for staff malfeasance and will no longer condone this attitude from officers.

“Any rank and file or officer caught in the cause of this Investigation will pay the full penalty. Our plan is to fix this decadence and provide a strong deterrent to anyone who aims to soil the NIS.” The statement read.

The statement further urged Passport applicants to use the official website (immigration.gov.ng) for applications and payments. It further cautions against cash transactions with unauthorised individuals or entities.

“The Comptroller General encourages the public to report any workforce misconduct through the Service’s communication channels and social media for necessary sanctions.”