ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension for Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap, allowing her to serve until December 31, 2026, a move that critics say violates Nigeria’s civil service rules and could spark legal challenges.
The announcement, made Monday by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, extends Nandap’s tenure beyond the legally mandated 35-year service limit, raising concerns over due process and executive overreach.
Breaking the Service Rule?
Nandap joined the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on October 9, 1989, meaning her statutory retirement date should be October 9, 2024, marking 35 years of service. However, Tinubu’s extension will keep her in office until December 31, 2026, effectively granting her 37 years in service, an anomaly in Nigeria’s public service history.
Legal experts argue that the extension contravenes Nigeria’s Public Service Rules (PSR), which set the retirement limit at either 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first. Nandap, already appointed Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, was originally scheduled to serve until August 31, 2025 under her initial tenure. The latest extension, critics say, is both unlawful and unprecedented.
Backlash and Legal Implications
The decision has sparked outrage among civil service reform advocates, who argue that such extensions create a dangerous precedent and undermine the principle of institutional renewal.
“By extending her tenure beyond 35 years, the Tinubu administration is not just bending the rules, it is breaking them,” said a senior immigration official, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
“This is a slap in the face of officers waiting for promotion and could lead to legal action.”
Past attempts by administrations to extend tenures unlawfully have been met with legal battles. In 2010, the Court of Appeal ruled against the tenure extension of former police chief Hafiz Ringim, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to service rules.
Tinubu’s Justification: ‘Exemplary Leadership’
Defending the extension, the presidency praised Nandap’s leadership, citing improvements in border management, immigration process modernization, and national security measures.
“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements,” Onanuga said in the statement.
“The President commends the Comptroller-General for her exemplary service and urges her to continue aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
However, critics argue that performance cannot override legal provisions.
“Good leadership does not give the President the power to extend service tenure beyond what is legally permitted,” said a legal expert, noting that the Public Service Rules do not provide exceptions based on performance.
The extension could face legal challenges from affected officers or civil society groups, who may seek judicial intervention. Meanwhile, opposition figures and labor unions are expected to weigh in, potentially escalating the controversy.
For now, the presidency has not addressed concerns over the legality of the decision, leaving room for further scrutiny in the coming days.
By Gabriel Ani
