The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says it has adopted tough measures to tackle fraudulent claim of lost passport by Nigerians, especially those previously denied visa to some countries. The Acting Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Rilwanu Musa, disclosed this in an interview with the Western Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Londaon on Sunday.
Musa said claims of lost passports would be investigated to ensure that the cliamants were not re-applying to avoid the six-month period waiting period of having been denied visa.
NAN reports that a mandatory six-month waiting period has been stipulated by some embassies before an applicant earlier refused visa, can re-apply.
"Losing passports most times is an intentional thing as far as most Nigerians are concerned, because we have experience back home where people who are denied visa, throw away the passports and re-apply for a new one.
"Because it takes six months to re-apply for visa after refusal, so people feel they cannot wait for six months.
"So, we have taken a decision that the six months such applicants have to wait, must be complied with."
He also said that any applicant investigated and found guilty, would be charged to court.
"We intend to include tougher sanctions in the future; if we ascertain the loss of passport to be intentional, the applicant will be charged to court.
''It is a fraudulent act.
"We have no other alternative than to institute legal action because that is the only way people will learn their lessons, and move away from doing bad things."
The Comptroller-General, who was is the UK to inspect facilities at the Nigeria High Commission, expressed satisfaction with the quality immigration services.
According to him, the prompt and orderly conduct in the issuance of E-passports and visas as well as the high technology used would be adopted by the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
Musa also expressed satisfaction with the return of diplomatic passports by former public office holders in the country.
He noted that former public officers had been complying with the law which stipulates the return of diplomatic passports.
"Even the immediate past Comptoller-General of Immigration has returned her own passport.
"Once we know you are retired and you do not return your diplomatic passport, we do follow up, because it is the property of the Federal Government and it was given to you because of the office you are holding.
"If you are no longer occupying that office, obviously you have to return the passport; it is mandatory and they have been complying." he said.
NAN recalls that Musa was appointed Acting Comptroller-General of Immigration in January following the retirement of Mrs Rose Uzoma, his predecessor.
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