Metro
Immigration Chief Warns against Cash Payments, Launches Electronic Passport Services
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, has enjoined prospective Passport applicants to ensure that they utilize the Service’s online platform to apply and make payment for any Passport category of their choice.
A statement signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer Mr Amos Okpu, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), noted that the Comptroller General stated this in Port Harcourt at the roll-out of the enhanced Passport and commissioning of the central Passport production Centre. He stated that the Service has deliberately enabled a seamless online application and payment process to discourage all forms of cash transactions which often times promote sharp practices. He enjoined Passport applicants to embrace the online system and warned that management will deal decisively with any Personnel found involved in any cash transactions for Passport applications.
He noted that ‘the enhanced ePassport facility we are rolling out here today is one of such ongoing reform efforts to transform the entire Passport process and offer improved options to our citizens. With the roll out today, all our Passport Offices in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and of course Rivers States have been fully migrated to the enhanced ePassport platform’.
With the roll-out and commissioning of the production Centre , Passport applicants who intend to process their applications in any of these States are expected to complete their forms online (via passport.immigration.gov.ng), make payment and book appointment for biometric enrolment and only visit the Passport Office they have indicated for enrolment on their appointment date.
Earlier the Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated that Passport service is a very critical one that should be handled with utmost care. ‘Passport is one of the most critical nationality documents an eligible citizen should hold. It does not just allow the holder to cross national frontiers; it also confers nationality and citizenship’ rights to any holder. The import of this therefore, is that the processes and procedures that would enable anyone to procure a Passport should not just be transparent, credible and seamless but a product of utmost diligence by those charged with the responsibility’, he stressed.
The Minister commended the NIS for the series of reform efforts it has brought to fore on the Passport platform stressing that the journey from the manually-written Passport to the machine readable, to the electronic and now to the enhanced electronic Passport has been most interesting. He noted that the fact that the NIS has continued to ensure that the Nigerian Passport satisfies all the standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is not only laudable but a huge achievement. He stated further that the enhanced ePassport is a product of the latest technology in Passport administration and issuance. The document is of higher grade with additional 25 security features than the current one. It is polycarbonate in design and therefore water-resistant. It is difficult to forge and cannot be compromised by any antics of counterfeiters and identity-fraudulent individuals, he maintained.
He re-emphasized his Ministry’s zero tolerance to any form of sharp practices capable of undermining the ongoing reforms and warned that any Personnel caught in such unprofessional acts will be seriously sanctioned. He further called on prospective applicants to utilize the online platform and ensure that they provide correct personal information in their application forms for effective processing and issuance.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Rivers State His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON who was represented by the deputy Governor Dr Mrs Ipalibo Banigo lauded the Service foe considering Port Harcourt as the production Centre for all the Passport Offices in the South-South. She assured of the State’s readiness to continue to support all relevant agencies in the State and called for the sustenance of the ongoing reform efforts in Passport administration and issuance to give it enduring human face and experience.
The major highlight of the event was the cutting of the tape for the commissioning of the Passport Production Centre for Passport Offices in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and indeed Rivers State by the Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola assisted by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State. With the roll-out and commissioning of the Centre, the region has joined the South East, South West and locations in the United States and UK that have been fully migrated to the enhanced ePassport regime.
8. The event was attended by top government functionaries of the State, Federal agencies including representatives of the military, security and response agencies in the State.
In his efforts to further enhance inter-agency cooperation and bolster security collaboration towards combating crimes and emerging threats, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, has played host to Comptroller of Customs, Muritala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC), Comptroller Toyin Awe, and his counterpart from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Comptroller D. O. Adebambo of the Lagos Command.
The two officers in their separate courtesy visits to the Lagos CP held at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, particularly in tackling the growing challenge of insecurity in the country, with special emphasis to Lagos State.
During the visit, Immigration’s Adebambo, who arrived first highlighted the NIS’s efforts in managing migration and border control, introducing the e-border system, which features camera installations and control centers to monitor and respond to irregular migration. He also mentioned the BATIC, a technology innovation center that enables real-time supervision of border areas and airports.
Adebambo also emphasizing the importance of cooperation and synergy between the NIS and the police in ensuring the security and safety of Lagos State, noting the NIS’s efforts in documenting and expunging irregular migrants, as well as its initiatives to facilitate foreign direct investment and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
In his response, CP Jimoh acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the two agencies, and assured Adebambo of his commitment to strengthening their cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations.
On his part, Comptroller Awe of the Customs, emphasized the crucial role of synergy between security agencies, citing recent seizures of illegal military accoutrements at the airport. These included arms and ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and drones, which were intercepted due to the vigilance of customs officers conducting 100% cargo examinations.
The Comptroller noted that intelligence-led operations have been instrumental in identifying and intercepting illicit shipments, many of which originate from Turkey. She revealed that those involved in the illegal imports had been prosecuted and imprisoned.
“We cannot do it all alone. The synergy between security agencies must continue, especially now that insecurity has become a major concern. Within my command at Muritala Muhammed Airport, we recently seized several military-grade items, including arms, ammunition, and drones. These seizures were possible because of the eagle-eyed vigilance of my officers and our strict adherence to 100% cargo examination protocols,” Comptroller Awe stated.
He further highlighted the deep historical ties between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, stressing the need for continuous cooperation. “We all know that aside from the military, most security agencies, including the police, serve as the foundation for other law enforcement bodies. For instance, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) originated from the Nigeria Customs Service. This shows that our responsibilities are interconnected, and our collaboration is essential for national security,” she explained.
CP Jimoh, in response, further reiterated the importance of security agencies working together to support the Federal Government’s economic policies, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and other business-friendly initiatives. He assured that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for business operations while also prioritizing national security.
“At this level, we do not have issues with cooperation. Our responsibility is to ensure that our officers at all levels align with this vision and understand the importance of collaboration. Lagos, as a center of excellence, demands nothing less than excellent performance from all security agencies. Our role is to protect government investments and ensure that the state and federal governments achieve their desired objectives,” he added.
All the agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence sharing, joint operations, and continuous engagement to address security challenges effectively.
The visits marked a significant step towards enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Force, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the security and prosperity of Lagos State and the nation at large.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, his first since assuming office, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
CP Jimoh, who was accompanied by a Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan among others, expressed gratitude while highlighting some of his plans to uphold security in Lagos.
Responding, Gov. Sanwo-Olu hailed the new CP for stepping effectively and seamlessly into the Lagos no. 1 policing job, and urged him to continue in that exceptional drive while assuring that his innovative ideas will be given due attention.
On his part, Dr. Ogunsan praised CP Jimoh for his drive, diligence, and dexterity since assuming duty as Lagos CP. He was emphatic about the grace and candor which which he assumed the job, especially given the circumstance that necessitated his appointment. Ogunsan was very optimistic that the new CP will enjoy tremendous support of Lagos State, noting that since “you have involved my expertise and experience in engaging with the intricacies of the development of the ideas, the planning, and subsequent execution; you have my word, I will put my energy behind you. God bless you on this new journey which is a significant one for your trajectory as a Police officer in the Nigeria Police Force.”
CP Moshood Jimoh, who was appointed in February, is the 41st Commissioner of the Lagos Police Command.
AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe, on Monday, formally assumed office as the 54th Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, according to a statement by the FCID Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, and made available to pointblank.ng
Her appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the department, following the retirement of the esteemed AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo (rtd), who concluded a distinguished and exemplary career in the Nigeria Police Force.
A native of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Resolution and Refugee Management and a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her robust educational background, combined with her extensive professional experience, underscores her readiness to lead FCID Annex Lagos in addressing the contemporary challenges of criminal intelligence and investigation.
Throughout her distinguished career, AIG Agebe has held several pivotal positions within the Nigeria Police Force, each contributing to her exemplary leadership profile. She has served as the Personal Assistant to four Commissioners of Police in Anambra, Officer In-Charge of the Monitoring Unit in Anambra, Team Leader of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the Force Gender Unit, and Advisor to the Inspector General on Gender Issues. She also served as Commissioner of Police at the Anti-Fraud Unit in the Force CID, Abuja, and Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. Her exceptional work at the Special Fraud Unit paved the way for her elevation to Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, where she made a significant impact through her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives. AIG Agebe’s contributions were instrumental in the establishment of specialized units and frameworks that significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
AIG Agebe is widely recognized for her relentless commitment to professional development and operational excellence. She has attended numerous specialized courses and training programs, gaining invaluable expertise in law enforcement, which she has applied throughout her career across various commands and formations nationwide.
Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Global Women Hall of Fame (2017), the Africa Women Leadership Award presented in South Africa by His Excellency John Mahama, President of Ghana, the National Security Award for Excellent Performance and Exemplary Leadership by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the Improving Access to Justice Award presented by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Nigeria Police Award. Additionally, AIG Agebe has received the Season Corps Award for Competent Governance and Civil Trust, the Distinguished Global Amazon Award in Kigali, Rwanda, and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award of Excellence (2023). She was also honored with the International Security Service Award by ISO-SEC Switzerland and HSIIS United Kingdom (2024), the National Crimewatch Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), the Award of Excellence by the Yache Community Development Association, and the Outstanding Female Humanitarian of the Year Award. AIG Agebe’s unwavering dedication to advancing the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force, with a particular focus on combating gender-based violence, fraud, and other criminal activities, demonstrates her deep commitment to justice, human rights, and national security.
In her new role, AIG Agebe calls on well-meaning citizens to support the Police in the fight against crime, promote justice, and strengthen national security. She remains steadfast in her mission to enhance the operational effectiveness of the FCID, ensuring public safety, upholding the integrity of the Police Force, and continuing her strong stance against corruption as envisioned by the Inspector General of Police.
