Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Kemi Nandap, has urged Nigerians to come directly to them when applying for passports or other immigration services, insisting that the Service operates round-the-clock channels to assist citizens directly and transparently.
Nandap, who made this call in Abuja on Friday while delivering the keynote address at the fourth-quarter Nationwide Sensitisation Campaign against corruption and for improved service delivery, urged Nigerians to avoid middlemen and touts for their passport or other immigration service needs.
She added that the era of relying on agents or informal handlers should be over, as the Service has put in place fully digital, citizen-focused systems that allow applicants to initiate and track their processes from the comfort of their homes.
She stressed that the NIS has functional 24-hour call lines, an active call centre, and constantly monitored email and social media channels, all designed to ensure citizens are attended to promptly and without intermediaries.
“You don’t have to go to a tout, you don’t have to go to an agent. You can apply for most of our facilities from the comfort of your home. Once you avoid putting yourself at the mercy of someone, you stay in control of your application and can always reach us at any time”, she said.
Nandap explained that with the recent reforms, including automated passport application processes, biometric-based verification, expanded digital architecture and streamlined service-centre operations, delays will be reduced significantly while transparency increases.
With digital payments and automated checkpoints reducing cash interactions, she said the Service is committed to stamping out malpractice at all levels.
Nandap further disclosed that the NIS has deepened its collaboration with sister agencies, civil-society groups, international partners, and the diplomatic community to align its operations with global border-management standards.
She noted that these partnerships, are helping to harmonise processes, promote accountability and support ongoing reforms.
Therefore, she appealed to citizens to familiarise themselves with official procedures, follow approved channels and use the Service’s feedback platforms—including suggestion boxes, hotlines and online desks—to report challenges or offer recommendations.
She added; “We are here for Nigerians. Tell us how to serve you better.”
