In a no-nonsense tone that left no room for excuses, Nigeria’s top immigration officer, Kemi Nandap, had a simple message for those trying to play smart with the green passport: “You will not go free. Not anymore.”
The Federal Government has begun what it calls a “full-blown crackdown” on the illegal acquisition of Nigerian passports – and this time, even foreigners trying to ‘blend in’ have landed in serious trouble.
In a dramatic twist that sounds like something out of a Nollywood thriller, several non-Nigerians were recently caught attempting to obtain Nigerian passports – illegally. The arrests were confirmed by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), with the culprits now set to face the law.
“This is not child’s play,” warned Nandap, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, while addressing a room full of Passport Control Officers (PCOs) in Abuja during a 3-day national workshop on identity management. And judging by her tone, she meant every word.
Nigeria’s Passport: Not Just a Travel Document
To the untrained eye, a passport is just a booklet. But to immigration officers, it is a symbol of trust and national identity. “Issuing someone a Nigerian passport is like saying, ‘I vouch for this person as a true Nigerian,’” said Nandap. “So if that person turns out to be an imposter, then you’ve put all of us at risk.”
And that’s no joke.
According to the CGIS, the NIS has uncovered “incessant” cases of non-Nigerians attempting to claim the green passport through fraudulent means — often with the help of corrupt insiders. But this time, thanks to the sharp eyes and vigilance of frontline officers, some of those fake patriots have been caught red-handed.
“Let me thank the officers who reported these cases,” Nandap said. “You are the real MVPs. Keep your eyes open – and your conscience clean.”
In a system where “na my oga do am” is often used to shift blame, Nandap’s new rule is simple: Commanders will now be held responsible for every action under their watch. No more turning a blind eye or pleading ignorance when things go wrong.
“If any of your staff is involved in shady dealings and you claim you didn’t know, I’m sorry – that’s not going to fly,” she declared. “I’m begging you now, so you won’t come begging me later.”
Now that’s peak Nigerian parenting energy.
To fight back, the NIS is banking on a mix of tech upgrades, staff training, and — believe it or not — some good old-fashioned instincts.
“As officers, we know when someone is not Nigerian,” Nandap said. “Sometimes, it’s the way they talk. Other times, it’s their story that doesn’t add up. Our radar is sharp.”
But beyond hunches, there’s a new push for thorough background checks and document vetting before any passport is issued. The passport process, she stressed, must be “fast but foolproof.”
“People should not be calling me to say they applied three months ago and still nothing. We must be diligent, yes — but also efficient.”
There was also a very clear warning: If you’re caught collecting bribes or cutting corners, your career may be over before you can even say “oga, abeg.” The Service is now promising swift punishment for anyone caught in fraudulent activities — and sweet rewards for those who shine.
“Excellence will be rewarded. But corruption? Zero tolerance. Zero,” Nandap stated.
In a country where the passport has long been a target of abuse — from identity thieves to fake diplomats — the new clampdown feels like a long-overdue breath of fresh air. For once, the system seems to be pushing back with teeth.
“This uniform we wear is a symbol of trust,” Nandap said firmly. “When Nigerians see you, they should feel confident that their borders are safe, their identity is secure.”
It’s a tall order in a country battling fraud on many fronts, but the Immigration Service appears determined to raise the bar. And if this new drive holds steady, perhaps Nigeria’s passport may start earning back the respect it deserves.
After all, as one officer joked on the sidelines of the workshop, “If dem wan collect passport by force, tell them say Naija no dey do buy one get one free.”
And just like that, the game might be changing.
