President Bola Tinubu has approved an additional 18-month extension for the heads of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), a decision the Presidency says is aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and preventing gaps in the succession process.
Under the approval announced on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap will remain in office until June 30, 2028, while Controller-General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche will continue until May 26, 2028.
The extension followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to allow the relevant authorities sufficient time to appoint successors to the two service chiefs.
The Presidency also commended both officials for the reforms recorded under their leadership and urged them to consolidate the gains made in their respective agencies.
However, the decision comes against the backdrop of concerns over retirement, promotion and career progression within the Nigeria Immigration Service, where the exit of senior officers has raised questions about the future leadership structure.
Immigration Service Faces Leadership Succession Questions
A report published by SaharaReporters on October 11, citing a nominal roll obtained by the outlet, indicated that about 950 Immigration Service personnel, including Nandap and several senior officers, were listed for retirement in 2026.
The document reportedly listed Nandap’s retirement date as October 10, 2026, although the Presidency had previously announced an extension of her tenure until December 31, 2026.
The latest approval has now extended her stay in office further, until June 30, 2028.
The development places renewed attention on how the Service will manage its succession arrangements while addressing concerns among personnel over promotion opportunities and career advancement.
According to the nominal roll cited in the report, two Deputy Comptrollers-General and six Assistant Comptrollers-General were among the senior officers scheduled to retire during 2026.
The listed Deputy Comptrollers-General were Umanah Ada James and Ayeni Afolayan, while the Assistant Comptrollers-General included Odikpo Ngozi, Sabo A. Rano, Halliday Azuka Mimi, Anugwa Echefulam Louis, Obianime Augusta and Bagari Dauda Mohammed.
Their departures could have implications for the agency’s leadership structure, although the precise effect on promotion timelines and succession arrangements has not been independently established.
Officers Raise Concerns Over Promotion and Welfare
Some officers who spoke to SaharaReporters expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as stagnation in career progression, alleging that the continued stay of senior personnel had affected opportunities for junior officers to advance through the ranks.
One source claimed that officers approaching retirement were particularly concerned about losing opportunities to attain higher ranks before leaving the Service.
The officers also raised concerns about staff welfare, professional development, foreign training opportunities and recognition for outstanding performance.
These claims reflect the concerns expressed by the sources and have not been independently verified.
The officers further questioned whether increases in immigration-related fees had translated into corresponding improvements in staff welfare and working conditions.
Rising Passport Fees Add to Welfare Debate
The report also highlighted increases in Nigerian passport fees in recent years.
According to information cited by SaharaReporters, the fee for a five-year passport increased from ₦25,000 to ₦50,000 and subsequently to ₦100,000, while the 10-year passport fee rose from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 and later to ₦200,000.
The report put the total cost, including additional online payment charges, at ₦104,000 for a five-year passport and ₦208,000 for a 10-year passport.
The officers also cited a reported increase in the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) fee to $3,250, which they described as a 75 per cent increase.
They argued that personnel responsible for implementing immigration policies and generating government revenue should benefit from improved remuneration, training and working conditions.
However, the concerns raised by the officers do not, on their own, establish a direct relationship between higher service fees and the level of staff welfare funding.
Correctional Service Chief Also Gets Extension
Nwakuche, who was nominated by Tinubu in December 2024, received Senate confirmation in March 2025 before assuming leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
His tenure extension, like Nandap’s, is intended to provide additional time for the appointment of a successor and maintain administrative continuity.
The Presidency said the decision followed the Interior Minister’s recommendation and was designed to give the respective boards sufficient time to complete the succession process.
With both service chiefs now scheduled to remain in office until 2028, attention will turn to how the agencies manage leadership transitions, sustain ongoing reforms and respond to personnel concerns.
For the Nigeria Immigration Service in particular, the challenge will be to maintain operational effectiveness while addressing questions about promotions, staff development and welfare as the Service navigates the retirement of senior officers.
