KEY POINTS

• President Tinubu extends Kemi Nandap’s tenure as NIS Comptroller-General to December 2026, citing her reforms in border security and migration management.
• Nandap, a 35-year veteran of the service, has prioritized digitization and regional collaboration since her appointment in 2024.
• The move underscores the administration’s focus on immigration as a national security priority, though challenges like corruption persist.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the tenure extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) until December 31, 2026.

The decision, announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes ahead of her initial August 2025 exit date.

According to Channelstv, Nandap, who was appointed on March 1, 2024, has been credited with driving significant reforms in border security and migration management.

“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes, and national security measures,” the statement read.

Nandap: A career built on service and reform

A seasoned officer with over three decades of experience, Nandap joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, and rose through the ranks before her appointment as Comptroller-General. Her tenure has focused on digitizing visa processes, enhancing border surveillance, and combating human trafficking—a key priority for the Tinubu administration.

The President praised her leadership, urging her to “continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and promoting “safe, legal, and orderly migration.”

The extension comes amid heightened security concerns, including terrorism, smuggling, and illegal migration. Analysts suggest Nandap’s retention signals continuity in policies aimed at tightening border controls, particularly in regions prone to cross-border crime.

Her reappointment follows her recent election as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Immigration Committee, where she has advocated for regional cooperation on migration management. Critics, however, argue that more must be done to address corruption and inefficiencies at immigration checkpoints.