The Nigerian Immigration Service barred entry to foreign migrants

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) announced that it will forbid the use of foreign voters from nearby nations in the election of the next year.
In a meeting with senior Service management, Zonal Coordinators, and Comptrollers of Commands/Formations on Thursday at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, where the operational briefing was given as part of preparations for the upcoming general elections in 2023, the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) Isah Idris made the commitment.

According to a press release from the NIS’s spokesman, Amos Okpu, during the meeting, the CGI reaffirmed the government’s dedication to a free and fair electoral process for the 2023 general elections and charged Heads of Commands and Formations across the nation to step up surveillance operations in all locations, including Border Crossing Points, to ensure successful elections.

To ensure that ineligible people, particularly migrants, are not permitted to participate in the country’s voting process, he instructed the activation and deployment of all the service’s migration management and border security resources.

the CGI reported

“To this end, I thus order that frequent meetings with all immigrant populations in the nation be stepped up in order to sensitize them about the need for them to abstain from voting in the country’s general elections in 2023.

To guarantee that no migrant participates in the elections, “Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOs) across the 774 Local Councils in the country have been asked to strengthen surveillance and contacts with the migrant groups in their districts.”

He disclosed that the Service recently captured and seized some voter cards from specific migrants and issued a warning that any immigrant attempting to participate in the country’s political process would face harsh penalties.

“As Para-military Officers, we are barred from political partisanship before, during, and after the elections,” Idris stated, reiterating the Service’s ethical duty and commitment to uphold political neutrality in the fulfillment of statutory tasks. As a result, the Service is taking advantage of the chance to inform its Personnel—via their individual Comptrollers—about the need of maintaining their impartiality before, during, and after the elections as Service members.

He warned that any infractions or unprofessional conduct before, during, or after the elections will result in harsh punishment and urged all staff to be aware of their obligations.

The CGI further urged all agencies to engage in positive and patriotic activities, highlighting the importance of working in concert with stakeholders to fulfill their obligations to create the better Nigeria of our collective aspirations.

The CGI reportedly led top management to the foundation-laying and groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society’s (NIMCOS) Head Office at NIS Headquarters, Abuja, where he reportedly charged the association’s executive to uphold its ideals of improving the welfare of officers and men in line with the welfare thrust of his administration.

When it is finished, the structure will house the Cooperative Society’s executive branch.