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| About Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) |
Learn all about the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)—its origin, key functions, structure, recruitment, and how it helps regulate migration in Nigeria. Updated for 2025.
About Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS): History, Functions, and Structure in 2025
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is one of the key paramilitary organizations in Nigeria. It plays a vital role in managing the movement of people in and out of the country, enforcing immigration laws, and protecting Nigeria’s borders.
If you’re planning to apply for recruitment or just want to understand how the NIS operates, this post gives you a detailed overview.
Brief History of Nigeria Immigration Service
The NIS was carved out of the Nigeria Police Force in 1958, and became an independent body in 1963. It was established to regulate migration, issue travel documents, and maintain national security.
Since then, the NIS has grown into a full-fledged agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, with officers deployed across Nigeria and at embassies worldwide.
Key Functions of NIS
Below are the major roles the NIS performs:
- Issuing Nigerian passports and travel documents
- Managing the entry and exit of persons into/from Nigeria
- Enforcing visa regulations and entry permits
- Issuing resident permits to foreigners in Nigeria
- Deporting illegal immigrants
- Combating human trafficking and illegal migration
- Securing Nigeria’s land, air, and sea borders
NIS is also involved in modern immigration technology like biometric data and e-border control systems.
NIS Organizational Structure
The NIS is headed by the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), who is the top officer in charge of operations nationwide.
Main Departments:
- Operations & Passport
- Border Management
- Migration
- Human Resources
- Investigation and Intelligence
- Visa and Residency
- Technology and ICT
Key Offices:
- Zonal Offices across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones
- State Commands in all 36 states + FCT
- Passport Offices and Border Control Posts
- International Attachés at Nigerian embassies abroad
Ranks in the Nigeria Immigration Service
Here are the common officer ranks (from highest to lowest):
| Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers |
|---|---|
| Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) | Assistant Inspector |
| Deputy Comptroller General | Immigration Assistant I – III |
| Assistant Comptroller General | |
| Comptroller of Immigration | |
| Deputy Comptroller | |
| Assistant Comptroller |
For full list and salary breakdown, check: Nigeria Immigration Ranks and Salary Structure 2025
Latest Developments in 2025
- NIS now uses a digital recruitment portal: https://cdcfib.career
- Biometric verification systems are being deployed at major borders and airports
- The 2025 recruitment campaign includes hundreds of new officers to combat insecurity
Interested in Joining NIS?
Check out these helpful articles:
- 👉 How to Apply for Nigeria Immigration Recruitment 2025
- 👉 NIS Recruitment Portal Login Guide
- 👉 Nigeria Immigration Service Shortlist 2025 News
Conclusion
The Nigeria Immigration Service plays a central role in national security and migration control. Whether you’re an applicant or just curious, understanding how the NIS functions helps you appreciate the work they do daily to secure Nigeria's borders.
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