The Coalition of Civil Societies and Media Executive for Good Governance in Nigeria (COCMEGG), has bestowed on the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, the award of “The Most Outstanding Comptroller-General of Immigration of the Decade.”
The coalition comprises over 150 Civil Society groups, NGOs, Activists and Media Executives which advocates for transparency, accountability and good governance regime in Nigeria.
It said the award is for Babandede’s bold rebranding and repositioning of the NIS for effective service delivering of its core mandate, human capacity development, staff promotion/welfare, transparency and accountability and good governance practice that have become a hallmark at the organization.
“It is also for effective border security and management, resulting in the reduction of trafficking in persons (TIPs) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOMs)”.
According to a statement by its President Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Secretary, Comrade Peter Emuekpere, COCMEGG said the honour was accorded Babandede after a critical analysis of his performance in repositioning the NIS since he took over the mantle of leadership.
“It is on record, that the NIS has witnessed a tremendous turnaround in the transparent management and issuance of passports and ensuring that other travel documents meet international standards to the public; reforms that have reduced physical distance and travel time to get services available; giving prompt priority to discipline, training and re-training of officers and men for enhanced standard and proficiency at work place have been inculcated into the system.
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It noted that there is increased “esprit de-corps” and high morale within the rank and file including a highly motivational workforce, which is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Next Level Agenda, resulting in the current re-organization and institutional capacity building of the officers and men of NIS.
The Coalition emphasized that the Commandant-General of NIS, was honoured for his transformational leadership that has brought about discipline, transparent use of funds, and probity in the management of men and resources; haven repositioned and modernized the NIS for professionalism and effective service delivery.
It further identified with the CG as a patriot with a quest for total transformation in the NIS thereby re-enforcing the public trust reposed on his office like never before in the annals of history, such as the laying of foundation for technology building to leverage the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in its operations, the institution of machines readable electronic passport, creation of service website, activation of the SERVICOM Desk, forensic laboratory services for the execution of travel documents and monetary instruments coupled with the introduction of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
In his response, the Comptroller-General, thanked the Coalition for the honour bestowed on him and appreciated the present administration for giving him the enabling environment to work.
He dedicated the prestigious award to the NIS as a whole for sacrificing their time for the good of all.
He welcomed the vibrant new Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, saying the NIS will assiduously work with the new Minister’s blueprint, with his fatherly and selfless support as an achiever, he observed, the sky is just the beginning for the service.
He thanked President Buhari and Nigerians without whom, the Immigration Service and its officers and men wouldn’t have been where they are today and appreciated the enormous support given to the NIS.
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