- EFCC launched an investigation into Nigeria Immigration Services over ongoing passport racketeering and visa scams, deploying operatives nationwide
- Despite automation efforts, corruption persists, causing reputational damage, prompting EFCC to establish an “Immigration Fraud Section” in its commands
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the activities of the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) and its personnel over ongoing passport racketeering and visa scams, as reported by Daily Trust.
EFCC operatives have been deployed to various immigration offices in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Anambra, and other states and airports for discreet operations. The anti-graft agency has received numerous complaints and petitions from Nigerians and foreign nationals regarding persistent passport and visa scams involving NIS.
Despite efforts by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to combat these issues through the complete automation of passport applications, which began on January 8, 2024, the problem persists. An EFCC official, speaking anonymously, stated that the agency had to step in because corruption within NIS continues to cause significant “reputational damage” to Nigeria.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the development, noting that corruption within NIS is so entrenched that the EFCC had to establish an “Immigration Fraud Section” in some of its commands nationwide.