Federal Government Orders Reopening of Nigerian Borders

 Nigeria Immigration smService (NIS) announce border reopening as Federal Government issue directives on four borders across Nigeria.

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A Night of Honour: As The Nigeria Immigration Service Holds Annual Dinner and Awards

 Abuja, Nigeria, 14th December 2020 - Press Release

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service 
Muhammad Babandede MFR

In an effort to celebrate outstanding performances the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) awarded 31 officers and men : Meritorious, Innovation,Gallantry and Posthumous.

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede MFR in his address stated that the awardees were selected on merit after their nomination by heads of Directorates, Zones,Commands and special formations for a final selection by a constituted Annual Award Committee of the Service, a feat initiated since he was appointed Comptroller General of Immigration to boost the morale of officers and men and to reward excellence and good conducts since those that erred are equally sanctioned as deterrence to others, the good officers are rewarded to encourage by these awards.                         

The Comptroller General has set a standard for others to follow, in the same vein the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior Dr Shuaibu Belgore encouraged the officers to keep the Immigration Service on global track by rendering it's services with high level proficiency with the desire to render service rather than exploiting the people in the discharge of their duties while appreciating the government for the level of support enjoyed by the service and the Comptroller General of Immigration for being prudent and professional in the execution of projects especially the Technology Building of the NIS designed to put Nigeria Immigration Service on global platform with cutting edge facilities that will make the NIS compete favourably with others around the world as a leading agency in Migration Control and Border Management in Nigeria.       

Signed.

DCI James Sunday

PCC, Service Public Relations Officer,For, Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service.13th December,2020.

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My prepaid meter experience

 

Let me tell my prepaid meter experience - Claudia 

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Is the Lagos State one-way and forfeiture law progressive?

This one-way and issue of forfeiture in Lagos state is likely going to end up being a tool for oppression - Claudia.

We are quick to introduce laws without weighing in on all sides of the matter first to identify loopholes and tighten all lose ends to ensure that the law can be sustained.

Forfeiture for way-one way traffic offense is good only if government had first put in the work of marking routes and installing cameras. If not, how do they intend to prove these cases?

Perhaps they do not intend to prove anything, they just want to seize and auction cars. 

Anything to make the masses cry out!

Who are the advisers of government?

LASG putting people like the (existing) LASTMA and FRSC officials who would almost strangle a passenger over seatbelt offense, who would jump on moving vehicles to prove a point or beat a driver to coma just to flex power is a dangerous move.

Where there are no clearly marked or labelled roads and CCTV cameras to prove the law has been broken, how does LASG hope to prove a one-way crime has been committed?

If it's up to the officials who would probably be working to meet target and might be directing unsuspecting motorists to their doom for promotion and other job benefits, then how is this progress!

These same officials who might even go as far as setting someone up and turning their cars in, over a mere "girlfriend snatching" issue?

In this Nigeria, with the current structure, some of the laws being made are clearly flawed. 

You set up a mobile court where its is the words of the officials (and probably, arranged witnesses) against the accused. How do you determine real cases or even ensure fairness?

There was an existing one year imprisonment

(1st offenders) and 3 years imprisonment 

(repeated offender) who drive against traffic. If this law was really enforced whatever prompted this new law could have been averted.

Why do we need new laws where there are existing laws? Why are the existing laws not working? How does the new law solve the problem? These are the things that government should be communicating to us if really, the homework had been done.

Assuming driving against traffic is a common road offense, wouldn't it be more reasonable to do first things first? 

Where government and agencies of government "place the cart before the horse" at the end of the day they are anti-people. If not, why do we set out to cause pain instead of seeking real solutions to problems.

Must everything in Nigeria be about instilling fear and pain upon the people?

In curing a headache, do you cut off the head?

The right thing is to put infrastructures in place then use laws and enforcement to sustain them. In this case, labell all routes/roads and install cameras to do the job.

Even where the roads are clearly marked, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the offense was truly committed (use cameras) before punishment can be justified.

You cannot put so much powers in the hands of LASTMA and FRSC officials and expect that there wont be problems. 

It's only a matter of time before an innocent man's car is taken away for no just cause. Only a matter of time, before the people begin to wage war against the officials and government would be forced to review or abandon the law (when the right thing should have been done abinitial).

I ask again, who are these anti-people government advisers? Is it so hard to think through issues, debate them, gather ideas before jumping to make laws?

If it was debated, does it mean that nobody saw the loopholes or even raised questions about the enforcement tactics and sustainability of this law?

Its always almost as if the government is structured to break the people when infact it should be serving the people. If we're keeping it real, this one-way forfeiture law is highly unnecessary and not justified.

How we make spontaneous decisions and laws and expect to make progress as a nation beats me.

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Reports of billion van robbery in Lagos

 

Scene of alleged Ajah robbery

There are reports of bullion van robbery around Ajah road in Lagos.

As rumours of insecurity spread across Lagos, a bullion van has reportedly been robbed at about past 5pm "broad-day light" along Ado road, in Ajah area of Lagos state.

The robbery reportedly left one person dead as the alleged robbers spray bullets on the occupants of the van.

Neither the Lagos state government nor security agencies have made any official statement regarding the robbery as at the time of filing this report.

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NIS to Release Modupe Odele's Travel Passport

Moe Odele

News reaching us is that the Nigeria immigration service is set to release Ms Modupe 'Moe' Odele's passport as travel restrictions on her is being lifted.

As at the time of sharing this report, we are yet to get the reason for the restrictions in the first place but directives have been given to allow Ms. Odele exercise her right to free movement.

If you missed the initial story. Read here NIS distance self from speculations of witchhunting endsars protests frontliners 

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The Nigerian Immigration Service Has Distanced Itself From Speculations on Witchhunting Endsars Frontliners

CGI Muhammed Babandede MFR

The Nigerian immigration service (NIS) has distanced itself from the news making rounds on social media that the NIS witchhunting people who participated in the Endsars protests and are not allowing them to travel. 

Sunday, 1st November news broke out on twitter that Ms Modupe "Moe" Odele, one of the frontliners who helped coordinate and provide legal aids for the EndSARS protest was prevented from leaving the country and had her Nigerian travel passport seized at the airport by Immigration officers. 

Sharing her ticket on twitter, Ms Odele narrated how she was stopped from leaving the country. 

As the news of her airport ordeal with the NIS went viral, many interpreted it as a witchhunting attempt by the government to clampdown on Endsars frontliners. With ongoing speculations, Ms. Odele insist that days after her passport was seized she was yet to be informed about the reason for the seizure.

On inquiry, the PRO of immigration, Mr. James Sunday confirmed to pedestriannews that Ms. Odele was indeed prevented from travelling and her passport is being withheld by the NIS. 

He further explained that the action by the immigration was based on directives from border management while retereiting the fact that it has nothing to do with the Endsars protest but strictly based on issues flagged by the boarder monitoring unit.

While Ms Odele deserves answers as to why her passport was seized and her movement is being restricted, it is important to note that the NIS reserves the right to withdraw or withhold travel passport of a Nigerian citizen if there is travel restrictions placed on such individual by agencies such as the boarder monitoring unit. 

We are told that investigations into the matter are on course and directives/passport would be released as soon as it is resolved.

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NIS trains staff urges officials to embrace ongoing reforms

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has trained officials of the service as part of efforts at improving their capacity and productivity on their job and ultimately to make passport issuance seamless for Nigerians.

Source – brandspur

The training, organised in partnership with Brand Spur Media and Marketing Services was held on the 24th of September, 2020 via Zoom and intended for Passport Officers, attachèès and helpdesk officers within the Service.

In an opening statement to the participating officers, the Comptroller General of NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, reiterated NIS commitment to continuous improvement through learning and development.

He encouraged the officers to take advantage of innovative systems and processes being put in place to ease their work.

Meanwhile, the NIS boss warned that the NIS would not tolerate any form of misconduct or misrepresentation by officers who try to undermine the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He said: “This administration is putting cost-effective and administrative measures in place by pushing to indigenize passport production. It has decentralized passport authorization process by approving passports in bulk and delivery across their offices rather than have PCOs travel to Abuja to queue for passport allocation.”

The training session, according to one of the facilitators from Brand Spur Media and Marketing Services – Ms Claudia Nwankwo; was aimed at preparing the officers on managing customer expectations and their role in brand reputation management as representatives of the immigration service.

She noted that the training which drew participants from Nigerian embassies across the globe and all passport offices nationwide has availed officers to learn from experiences of customers shared and various scenarios revealing public perception about the NIS.

In his closing remark, the ACGI Operations on behalf of the immigration service thanked Brand Spur Media for organising the session while encouraging officers to ensure to discharge their duties professionally at all times.

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Online Passport Application: My NIS Experience

 

Nigerian Passport

As "Nigerians" we (naturally) shy away from using government agency portals or online platforms. Many would say that the portals do not work and they make things more difficult. Others would not even bother to try because as far as they are concerned it's all make believe.

Personally, I do not subscribe to herd mentality. I keep an open-mind approach to everything. I prefer to test and see and speak from my own experience. Based on this, (also due to dwindling resources post-covid-era) I decided that this year, I will not pay any extras. I would try the portals and see how it goes.

Recently, I have tried the FRSC portal for renewal of driving licence, Ikeja electric portal for KYC and prepaid meter application, NIMC for identity card enrollment and most recently, the NIS for my international (travel) passport renewal.

I had asked around and was told to prepare to pay between 40k to 50k for 32page passport with 5 years validity. I have also read about other people's experiences on social media but I was determined to see for myself.

I checked on the NIS website and saw that renewal for adults cost only 25k. So, I proceeded to apply using the online portal. I filled the form, printed the necessary document and went straight to Alausa passport office.

At the office, I was directed to the lady in-charge of online applications. She told me all I needed to do. It seemed as though there was going to be unnecessary delays. I quickly escalated my case and voila! I was ready for capturing.

The good thing about using the online portal is that you have first-hand information about your application and it puts you half-way through the entire process. Such that when you get to the passport office you only need to get your forms/application approved and proceed for capturing (most likely) same day. 

Online application erases the issue of filling your forms today and returning another day for capturing. 

Also, it does not encourage any form of bribery.

After capturing, you are issued a slip with which you'd return to pick up your passport ceteris paribus within 72 (work) hours.

Undoubtedly, there are no institutions without bad eggs but if (like me) you insist on doing the right thing then the systems would work as designed.

I must commend the DCI PR and PCO who took my complaint (of delays) seriously and addressed all my concerns with the speed of light. I left the passport office a satisfied customer.

If you are looking to apply for (fresh or renewal) international travel passport anytime soon, here is what I'll advise:

 • First and foremost, visit the NIS websitehttps://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ to get all necessary information as per requirement and process of application. If you can do it on your own, its perfect. If not, go straight to the helpdesk of any NIS passport office near you. Immigration Officers would guide you on almost you need to know and do. If in doubt or your encounter any misconduct, do well to escalate but insist on the right thing.

• Afterwards, you will need to print out the completed application form, sign it, print out your acknowledgement and payment slip. 

• Take along with your NIMC slip (compulsory)

NIN number (compulsory)

• Copies of  first and last page of your expired/old passport (if any) 

• Hard copy of your expired/old (for sighting)

• Two passport photographs

The passport cost 25k, the payment gateway will charge 1k. I spent a total of 28k including photocopies and printing. Remember I was asked to pay between 40k to 50k without guarantee of same day capturing and short pickup period but I ended up saving myself 12k to 22k. Captured same day plus guaranteed pick-up.

I can confirm that online is easier, faster and more efficient thanks to the process and institutional reforms led by the NIS boss Comptroller General Muhammad Babandede. I must also commend the DCI PR and PCO Alausa for ensuring to deliver exceptional service. 

If it was that easy at Alausa passport office (knowing the number of turn-up within that area) then it would be the same across all passport offices nationwide.

I was quite impressed.

Author:

Claudia Nwankwo 

Twitter: @claudyfeb

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What you need to know about getting U. S visa in Nigeria

Claudia Nwankwo:     

The U. S government recently announced travel restrictions on some countries including Nigeria. Placing ban on immigrant visa applications. This means that citizens of affected countries would no longer be eligible to file for permanent residency, citizenship or greencard lottery. However, they can still be allowed for short stay trips for purpose such as education, visit or business.

Though, obtaining a U. S visa from Nigeria has never been easy as a large percentage of applications are usually not approved. However, knowing and keeping to the rules might improve your chance.

Port of Entry

If you are planning to travel to the United States of America (U.S) from Nigeria, whether it is a business trip, visit or vacation you must first ensure that you have an authorised International travel passport that is still valid for atleast six (6) months.

Bear in mind that getting the visa largely depends on the visa officer (the interviewer). Yes, you have to convince them but in the end, it's his/her decision. So, if you have done all you need to do, be anxious for nothing, just keep an open mind. It's yea or nay, don't sweat it!

Every information you need regarding your visa application is on the approved website. You do not need to pay any agent for visa. Take some time to read the rules and guidelines, it'll help you

Some advise for intending applicants:

1. If you can read and write then I would advise that you do the entire process by yourself so that you get acquainted with the questions/requirements and understand the process clearly. That wayyou get to know firsthand what you might have been doing right or wrong.

2. In filling your D-160 document ensure to keep information truthful and straight forward. Do not tell lies it always complicate things. So, take your time to do it carefully. Read and understand before responding. If you enter a wrong information, it may hinder your chances. There is no need to rush it you can always log in/out when you are sure you have the correct information and want to proceed. Take your time to complete the process/ form by yourself. Get help if necessary but be involved.

3. Pay attention to your visa application number it changes as you make changes (after logging out) to your application. Ensure that after you have secured an interview date you do not go back to make changes except you want to reschedule. If your applicant number does not tally with what is on the embassy staff sheet, you would be asked to reschedule and that's okay, it is usually done within a few days. No need to....

Read the rest here

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U. S Embassy Shuts Down Fake News About Denying Bishop Oyedepo Visa

The U. S embassy in Nigeria has issued a statement on the news going viral about Bishop David Oyedepo being denied visa by the embassy on thursday 30th January, while comedian, Bovi was granted renewal. 

The fake news which has gathered momentum on popular blogs and mainstream media was debunked in a tweet issued through the U. S embassy's official twitter handle.

See tweet below

This tweet was shared at about 1.52pm on Friday, 31st January, advising the general public to disregard the fake news being circulated in the media.

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Mass Sack In The Banking Sector: UBA, Fidelity Bank, FirstBank Fingered

Unconfirmed news have it on social media that Tony Elumelu's United Bank for Africa (UBA) has greeted it's staff with mass sack this new year. See tweets👇

Some said that Fidelity Bank and First bank had done the same just a few weeks before. Though Dangote was also fingered in the same conversation, the popular opinion is that there is a high level of job insecurity in the banking sector

See more tweets

What's going on? 

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