The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a new emergency travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), which will replace the existing Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) by 2026.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, disclosed this during the decoration ceremony of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to the rank of Comptroller of Immigration, held in Abuja.
She said the service is focused on deploying technological innovations to improve service delivery and effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking on the reforms, she stated: “I am looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re introducing to optimise our services both in terms of our visa, passport production line, contactless solutions and new ones we’re putting in place, like the ENBIC (ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card), which we just started. We want to ensure that our processes are seamless and the STEP, which is also a new programme we’re going to launch early next year. It is going to be biometric-based, and it is going to be in alternative ways.”
The Comptroller-General urged the newly decorated officers to exhibit increased vigilance and uphold the highest standards of professionalism amid prevailing security challenges.
She reminded them that advancement in a disciplined service is “neither automatic nor solely a function of years in service,” but is achieved through “sustained dedication, professional competence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to duty.”
Nandap commended President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security,” adding that the ongoing transformation within the service reflects the administration’s determination to strengthen security institutions.
She also acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing “strategic direction, diligent oversight and resolute dedication to strengthening our operational capacities,” noting that the presence of key stakeholders demonstrated the collective support sustaining the service.
The Immigration chief told the officers that their decoration represented the confidence placed in them and carried expectations of “enhanced leadership, sound judgment, accountability and exemplary conduct.”
She explained that occupying senior positions demands clear vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the capacity to mentor and inspire others.
“At this advanced stage of your careers, professional competence must be matched with strong leadership attributes.
Considering the security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone, and your conduct will continue to reflect the core values and reputation of this service.”
Nandap reiterated that the NIS would “not tolerate any form of indolence or unprofessional conduct,” while encouraging officers to embrace innovation, respond to emerging challenges and prioritise the interest of the Service above personal considerations.
She also encouraged officers who were not promoted to stay committed, assuring them that, “There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard and your time will come.”
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
