Nigerian Immigration Officers Struggling to Cope Due to Unpaid Allowances
Officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) stationed abroad are voicing their frustrations over the non-payment of their allowances since December last year. According to reports from Naija News, these officers, who spoke anonymously with Daily Trust, revealed that they only received their October and November 2023 allowances in March this year.
The unpaid allowances, which cover housing, health, and utilities among other expenses, have led to severe financial hardships. One officer noted that paying rent monthly, which is a standard practice in their host countries, has become particularly challenging. Unlike in Nigeria, where rent is typically paid annually, these officers are required to pay from $2,000 and up each month.
These officers, often accompanied by their families, face heightened difficulties due to the increased cost of living abroad. One officer explained, “We are struggling to manage responsibilities such as feeding, education, and providing for our families. The cost of living is significantly higher in many countries compared to Nigeria.”
Another officer criticized the NIS’s approach of prioritizing payments to only two missions, leaving others without support. This selective payment strategy, they argue, further exacerbates the financial strain on many officers.
“The unpaid allowances weaken our financial stability and can cause significant embarrassment to us and our nation,” one officer stated. These immigration officers play a crucial role in facilitating visa applications, supporting Nigeria’s business agenda, and assisting Nigerians abroad with passport renewals and other services.
The officers emphasize the importance of maintaining robust support for these missions to prevent any disruptions that could hinder their operations. The current situation, they argue, not only exposes them to financial hardships but also poses a risk of national embarrassment due to the lack of necessary financial support.
