Again, Nigeria Orders Ex-Governors, Ex-Ministers, Others To Return Diplomatic/Official Passports Or Face Prosecution

BEVERLY HILLS, September 07, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Monday reiterated a federal government directive issued in August when it ordered all former Governors, former Ministers, ex-federal lawmakers and other former public officials still in possession of diplomatic and official travel passport to return them without further delay or risk prosecution.

The NIS in a statement signed by new Comptroller-General, Mr. M.K. Ibeshi, warned that the passports would be impounded at immigration posts when presented by those no longer eligible to hold them.

“Further to the directive on the withdrawal of diplomatic and official passports held by unauthorised persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service hereby directs all affected persons to comply forthwith. These persons include, among others, former: (i) State Governors( ii) Senators( iii) Members of House of Representatives (iv) Members of State Houses of Assemblies; (v) Ministers (vi) Commissioners, (vii) Special Advisers/Special Assistants; (viii) Chairmen/Deputy Chairmen of Local Governments Areas; (ix) all retired Heads of parastatals and (x) Retired public servants.

“These categories of persons are hereby informed that these passports which were previously held by them have been revoked and should return them to the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters Sauka Abuja, with immediate effect.

“Failure to comply with this directive will amount to an offence under the Immigration Act 2015. Such unauthorised possession will be impounded at our control posts on arrival or departure,” the statement said.