The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has partnered with the Nigeria Immigration Service, Borno State Command, to reduce corruption in travel-document processing and curb undocumented migration through the state’s borders.
Vanguard and Punch reported that the partnership was announced after a sensitisation programme for immigration personnel in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Linus Gubbi, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, said the collaboration is aimed at improving border management through accountability and transparency within immigration processes.
Gubbi said the work would include system studies to identify parts of immigration operations that are exposed to corrupt practices, including passport issuance and other immigration-related services.
He also said regular sensitisation of officers would form part of the partnership, especially in areas where officials deal with foreigners and Nigerians at borders, checkpoints and immigration offices.
Punch reported that Gubbi linked weak immigration controls to wider problems, including terrorism financing, trafficking and unemployment, saying undocumented entrants could worsen pressure on jobs and security.
The NIS Comptroller in Borno, UK Ahmed, commended the ICPC’s work on transparency and accountability. Vanguard reported that he warned that mishandling immigration duties could create risks for the country.
Borno shares border routes that have long drawn security attention because of insurgency, trafficking and illegal movement across the Lake Chad area.
Sources: Vanguard, Punch
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