The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, has admitted the high rate of corruption in the NIS but blamed the scarcity of booklets for passports as a major factor.
He subsequently apologised to Nigerians for their bad experiences at the passport offices nationwide but urged applicants to make use of the agency’s online services as this would reduce the rate of extortion.
Babandede said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.
When asked if he was aware of the fact that Nigerians still give bribes to get their passports, the immigration boss responded, “I apologise to Nigerians and I am not here to defend any officer. Any officer who takes money for passports is usually punished but we have challenges. Read more