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An immigration officer has been slammed with indefinite suspension over a ‘disgraceful’ conduct.
The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, took punitive measure against the officer, who was caught in a video, begging a traveler for financial assistance.
In the viral video, circulating on Nigerian social media space, Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2), was captured by a traveler, using camera-enabled eyeglasses, begging for money while on duty.
In the video Ufuoma asked the traveler what he had for him.
When the traveler said he did not have money, Ufuoma replied “Common.”
“If it comes from you, I am happy with anything.”
When the traveler suggested he could use his card to withdraw money for him, via a POS or an ATM, Ufuoma responded ‘Give me some money and I will appreciate it”.
However, in a statement signed by Comptroller General Kemi Nana Nandap, the NIS condemned the officer’s conduct as disgraceful and violates ongoing reforms to boost the integrity and professionalism of the Service.
The statement read: “We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) at Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
“The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards. This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception and courtesy.
“As a result, the officer has been indefinitely suspended, pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.”
Furthermore, the statement disclosed efforts to stop incidents of begging by airport personnel and to facilitate smoother travel for all passengers, including the installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at all of the country’s five international airports.
