The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has a new leader. He is Comptroller of Immigration Bala Aliyu Dangana. He assumed office on July 5, 2023.
In his inauguration speech during a meeting with the Command’s management team and members of the press, the new Command’s Comptroller, promised to unleash a leadership rooted in transparency, probity and professionalism for as long as he will hold sway in Lagos Command, which he described as the cradle of Immigration in Nigeria.
“…necessity demands that I ensure that officers under my charge here in Lagos State Command, reciprocate by adhering to the principles of transparency, probity, and professionalism which are sacrosanct to dutifully serve the public, the State and Migrant population in Lagos,” the new Comptroller said.
Further in his speech, which was made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, (NAOSNP), Dangana reiterated zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices in the discharge of his duties, calling on officers and men of the Command to brace up for the task ahead.
“Under my watch, there will be strict adherence to the extant rule that has been clearly spelt out in all our operating laws and documents. Officers and Men of the Command are expected to carry out their respective duties with diligence, the Command will maintain zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the Acting Comptroller General, stressing that her directives as regards passport will be implemented to the later.
“Furthermore, the Ag. CGI directives on passport administration will be religiously implemented at our Passport Office at Alausa and the Front Desk Office at Alimosho,” Dangana said.
He added that “All applicants who have concluded their online application should afterward proceed to the Servicom Unit of the respective applicants’ chosen Passport Control Offices or Front Desk office in Lagos on their appointment dates for the processing of their application at no additional cost. Members of the public should desist from entreating the service of touts whose major aim is to exploit.”
Dangana further extended a hand of fellowship to critical stakeholders, the Lagos State government, sister security agencies and the general public, promising to maintain an open-door policy while carrying out the NIS core mandate dutifully and without compromise.
“To my officers, roll up your sleeve, there is much to be done,” he concluded.
An Engineer by training, Dangana, who hails from Bida in Niger State, started his career in Kaduna State Command and served in various capacities and at different times. He has also served in Imo and Rivees State in different capacities.
Upon his elevation to the rank of Comptroller, he was transferred to the SHQ as Comptroller PRS Directorate. He also served as the Comptroller of ICT at SHQ before his posting to head the Lagos State Command.
Dangana is happily married with children.