March 31, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has approved the tenure extension of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, for another year, keeping her in office until March 2026. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, comes as Nigeria implements critical border security reforms and prepares to launch new electronic travel authorization systems.
Nandap, who was originally appointed in March 2023 as the first female Comptroller-General of the NIS, has overseen significant modernization of Nigeria's immigration processes during her initial two-year term. Her tenure extension follows the successful deployment of advanced passenger information systems at international airports and the upcoming April rollout of the Nigeria Travel Authorization (NTA) program for visa-exempt visitors.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale stated that the extension recognizes Nandap's "exceptional leadership in enhancing border security and migration management." Under her watch, the NIS has intercepted over 4,000 irregular migrants and improved visa processing times by 40%. The extension will allow her to complete ongoing projects including the full automation of passport applications and implementation of the $1.2 billion border surveillance technology contract with a Israeli security firm.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with the Association of Immigration Professionals praising Nandap's reforms, while some critics argue the position should have been opened for new applicants. Nandap, a 35-year veteran of the service, is expected to focus on combating human trafficking and implementing the new visa-on-arrival policy for African Union member states during her extended tenure.
Key Context:
- Nandap is the 18th Comptroller-General of NIS and first woman to hold the position
- Her extension comes as Nigeria prepares to host the Global Forum on Migration in 2026
- The NIS processed 2.3 million passport applications in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023
