The Federal Government has charged the 19th Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure the effective discharge of her mandate, saying she would be judged by how well she is able to protect the nation’s vast borders.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the charge on Friday in Abuja, shortly after decorating the new CGIS.
He said, “You have held command positions across the country, and that means you are conversant with the issues. Please, we believe in you. The president believes in you. On Tuesday, the president specially recognised her and gave her a presidential handshake. To whom much is given, much is expected. I want you to also be a team player. This is not the time to remember the ills of anyone.
“We will judge you on how well you protect our borders. In the security of Nigeria, the NIS has a great role to play. Please, be creative. Be innovative. Bring your certificates and training to bear on your job.”
Urging the officers and men of the service to cooperate with their new boss, the minister said where there are proven cases of sabotage, he would not shy away from taking “big” decisions.
“And to the ACGs and other officers, I have said it: I will tolerate everything but indiscipline. I don’t threaten, but I will say what I will do. I want to plead with you to cooperate with her. If you think you want to sabotage her, you are sabotaging the president. You are sabotaging the sovereignty of Nigeria, and as Minister of Interior, I will not shy away from taking big decisions. It is no longer business as usual. This is business,” he stated.
Responding, Nandap expressed gratitude to the president for the trust and confidence reposed in her to lead the service.
She said, “I am fully prepared to serve our nation with integrity. We will strive towards unity, growth, and development. We will prioritise the welfare of our officers and personnel.
“We are steadfast in our resolve to strengthen policies against irregular migration. We will tighten our borders. A safe border is a safe nation.”
Earlier, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ahmed Ja’afaru, said Nandap, who takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, was, before her appointment, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service.
