Abuja, March 31, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension of tenure for Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), extending her leadership role until December 31, 2026. The announcement was made today, reflecting the administration’s confidence in her transformative leadership and the progress achieved under her stewardship.

Mrs. Nandap, who began her career with the NIS on October 9, 1989, was initially appointed as Comptroller-General by President Tinubu on March 1, 2024, with her original term set to conclude on August 31, 2025. The extension, which adds over a year to her tenure, was detailed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Under Nandap’s leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has recorded significant advancements in its core mandate. Notable improvements include enhanced border management, modernization of immigration processes, and strengthened national security measures. These achievements have been widely recognized as aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes security, efficiency, and service delivery.

“President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership,” the statement read, highlighting her dedication and the tangible progress made during her tenure. The President urged Mrs. Nandap to remain committed to the strategic priorities of the NIS, including protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promoting safe, legal, and orderly migration.

The tenure extension comes at a time when the NIS continues to play a critical role in national security and immigration management, bolstered by recent initiatives such as the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) in December 2024. This facility has enhanced the Service’s capacity to link government agencies and improve border monitoring.

Mrs. Nandap’s career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by steady growth and impactful reforms. Her extended tenure is expected to further consolidate these gains, ensuring continuity in the Service’s modernization efforts. President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NIS in fulfilling its mandate, signaling a sustained focus on immigration as a cornerstone of national development.

Rather than opting for lavish festivities, President Tinubu chose a more subdued and meaningful observance by joining Muslim faithful at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, March 28, for a special prayer session. This event was not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to seek divine guidance for Nigeria during a challenging period marked by economic reforms and security concerns. Accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior government officials, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu used the occasion to pray for the country's stability, peace, and prosperity. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for his life and the privilege of leading Nigeria, emphasizing his dedication to hard work and prayer as key pillars of his leadership.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged Nigerians to join him in spirit by offering prayers for unity and healing, reinforcing a collective commitment to the nation's future. He reflected on his administration’s efforts, now approaching its second anniversary, to advance economic recovery, strengthen national security, and consolidate democratic gains. "My heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria," he said, echoing the theme of his presidency while acknowledging the support and goodwill of Nigerians.

The birthday drew warm messages from across the country. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a phone call, praised Tinubu’s political legacy and their long-standing collaboration, expressing pride in his leadership. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hailed her husband as her "Knight in Shining Armor," celebrating his courage and resilience. Prominent figures like General Ibrahim Babangida and Senate President Godswill Akpabio also lauded his dedication to democracy and problem-solving leadership, with Babangida calling him the "Asiwaju of the Universe."

Tinubu’s 73rd birthday was more than a personal celebration; it was a moment of national reflection. Amidst ongoing challenges, his call for unity and prayer underscored his vision of a Nigeria where every citizen thrives, blending his personal milestone with a broader hope for the country’s future.