The recent incident involving an official of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, has again exposed an issue that has plagued Nigeria for too long—corruption. The officer, identified as Okpravero Ufuoma, was caught on camera in a video that has now gone viral soliciting money from a tourist, an act that has not only disgraced the agency he represents but also further tarnished Nigeria’s international reputation. While the swift response from the NIS to indefinitely suspend the officer from duty and initiate disciplinary action is commendable, this incident has brought to light a much deeper problem that needs urgent attention.
At the heart of the issue is the potential for such corrupt practices to undermine national security. Immigration officers are among the first line of defense in determining who enters Nigeria, and their role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the country’s borders. When these officers solicit bribes, they compromise their ability to perform due diligence on foreigners entering the country. The danger Nigeria faces is that these officers can easily turn a blind eye to individuals who may pose a security threat, simply because they have been paid off.
Immigration officers are often one of the first point of contact for foreigners entering Nigeria, and their behavior sets the tone for how the country is perceived. Considering recent efforts of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to rebrand Nigeria’s image before the international community, when immigration officers engage in dubious practices, they frustrate government’s efforts to redeem the country’s image. Such actions not only deter potential tourists and investors but also reinforce negative perceptions about the country.
In light of the video that exposed this disgraceful act, it is commendable to see that the Nigerian Immigration Service has taken immediate action. The decision to suspend the officer from service to carry out further investigations send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated and does not represent the ethics and values of professionalism upheld by Nigeria’s immigration.
However, this should not be where the story ends. The NIS must ensure that investigations are concluded within a reasonable time frame, and disciplinary actions taken if the officer is found guilty. This will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar practices.
While it is important to commend the actions taken in this instance, it is also crucial to recognize that addressing the issue of corruption at Nigeria’s airports requires systemic change. The NIS, in collaboration with other relevant authorities, must implement comprehensive reforms to ensure that immigration officers are adequately trained, monitored, and held accountable for their actions. There should be zero tolerance for corruption, and mechanisms should be put in place to encourage whistleblowing and protect those who expose corrupt practices.
In addition, the ongoing installation of electronic gates at major international airports in Nigeria will promote smother travel experience for visitors coming into Nigeria, also preventing future occurrence of this kind of incidences.
The incident involving Okpravero Ufuoma should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria. Corruption in Nigeria’s international airports is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. It tarnishes the country’s image, undermining national security. It is commendable that the Nigerian Immigration Service has taken the first step by acting swiftly in this case, but much more needs to be done to root out corruption.