It is expected that the Nigerian Immigration Service Officers should also be allowed to carry guns since the Civil Defence Corps Officers do. While it is a reasonable expectation, the idea doesn’t seem to resonate with some members of the House of Reps as the second reading of the bill to allow immigration officers to carry guns was about 11 years ago, and nothing has been heard on that matter to date! Therefore, it is safe to say that Nigerian immigration officers don’t carry guns for now.
When you think about it, Nigerian immigration officers don’t really need to carry guns. I say this because the NSCDC is a para-military force whose officers undergo rudimentary military training to protect the nation against threats, attacks, or any disaster. The NIS, on the other hand, though a para-military force, too, but with a different kind of service that does not involve them fighting against the Boko Haram insurgency, which is the main reason President Goodluck Jonathan and his security advisors in 2012 decided to arm the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
What Do Immigration Officers Do?
Immigration officers are government officials who work at entry points into a country and are responsible for checking and overseeing the entry, stay, and exit of people. Immigration officers inspect non-citizen passengers’ entry cards to find out why they are visiting and how long they hope to stay. When they’ve checked and confirmed that a traveler meets all of the requirements for entrance into the country, they’ll go ahead and approve their passports by endorsing it and any work-related paperwork.
In my article on which courses are best for immigration officers, I listed 6 major duties of immigration officers.
What Are The Ranks In Immigration?
In the Nigerian Immigration Service, there are basically eight different ranks, beginning with the highest rank, which is Comptroller General Immigration Officer (CGIS), and ending with the lowest rank, which is “Passport Officer (PO).”
#1. General Immigration Service Comptroller (CGIS)
There is only one Comptroller General at a time in the Nigeria Immigration Service, making them the highest ranking officials. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appoints the person, and their appointment is renewable for another four years, contingent upon their performance during the initial term. This individual is in charge of the general administration and functioning of the immigration service.
#2. Assistant Comptrollers General (ACG)
In the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Deputy or Assistant Comptroller General is the second-highest rank, usually held by officers who have demonstrated their dedication to their roles as the Comptroller General’s aides. They oversee the NIS’s main divisions and are in charge of reporting to the Comptroller General on the organization’s activities. The Deputy Comptroller General has a big impact on the administration and effective operation of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
#3. Superintendent of Immigration (SI)
In the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Assistant Comptroller is the third-highest level, behind the Deputy Comptroller General. They are regarded as senior officers in the agency and are superior to the Superintendent of Immigration. They collaborate closely with higher-ranking officers to maintain the seamless running of the agency, playing a crucial role in the management and operations of the NIS.
#4. Assistant Superintendent Immigration (AIS)
When it comes to hiring recent graduates, this is the lowest rank of officer in the Nigerian Immigration Service. From here, all service officers aspire to higher positions.
#5. Senior Inspector of Immigration (SII)
In the Nigeria Immigration Service, the senior inspector of immigration (SII) is the highest non-commissioned rank. It is also the highest grade that enlistees in the military can obtain. Before reaching this level, or at this rank, all non-commissioned officers retire.
#6. Assistant Inspector of Immigration
I said I was going to place more emphasis on this particular rank because there seem to be a lot of questions around it.
The NCE rank in immigration is Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII). When you get the rank of Assistant Inspector of Immigration, you will be put at level 6. It is important to note that, depending on your qualifications, you may still be promoted above the level in the future.
NCE Salary in Immigration
The NCE salary in immigration ranges from N65,000 to N100,000, depending on years of service. Those who recently entered the Immigration Service with an NCE certificate are paid approximately N65,000, while those who have served for several years are paid up to N100,000.
In addition to the basic payment, the Immigration Service pays allowances to their employees. They also have a program called Immigration Training Allowance, which is reserved for individuals who are in training.
#7. Assistant for Immigration
The second-lowest tier of the Immigration Service is this one. Though not as good as the lowest level, it is still not as good as the other ranks. After meeting the requirements for promotion, individuals in a lower rank are elevated to this one.
#8. Passports officer (PO)
This is the lowest immigration level. To this extent, non-commissioned employees are recruited and brought up through the ranks.
How Long Does the NIS Training Last?
Nigerian immigration officers use various training camps for their physical training exercises, which typically last six months. Recruits are subjected to strenuous physical training sessions during the training term to develop their overall resilience, physical fitness, and endurance but not to carry guns afterward.
Read Also Nigeria Immigration Training: Process, Allowance and Tips
Furthermore, a monthly payment of between N20,000 and N35,000 is made as the Nigeria Immigration Training Allowance. This allowance is only payable while still on the training camp; once the training is completed, the Nigerian Immigration Service will immediately stop paying you the training allowance.
What Document is Required for Physical Check-up
The following paperwork is required when you visit for your in-person check-up in NIS:
- A duplicate of your reference form for online applications.
- A valid ID that features a sharp picture of you.
- The Records Your NIS Application Requires
What is the NCE level in Nigeria?
NCE is a qualification given to people who have finished a course of study at a Nigerian college of education. The Nigerian Certificate in Education (N.C.E.) is a unique A-level course designed for secondary school graduates or their equivalents.
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