Fresh controversy has surfaced within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as newly enlisted personnel from the August 2023 batch report issues with unpaid training allowances.
RECRUITS ALLEGE UNPAID ALLOWANCES
The recruits, who began their service last year, have voiced frustration over the NIS’s failure to pay their six-month training allowances. Despite promises of monthly allowances during their training, several recruits have not received the funds.
TRAINING PROCESS AND PROMISED ALLOWANCES
In January 2023, the NIS announced recruitment opportunities, leading to a rigorous six-month short service program starting in August 2023. This program included intensive training and camping. NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo stated that the training was designed to prepare recruits mentally and physically, with monthly allowances promised.
DELAYS AND RECRUITS’ FRUSTRATION
Recruits from Ogun State and Abuja reported that while they started receiving their regular salaries in March 2024, their training allowances, meant to cover the entire training period, remain unpaid. They expressed disappointment and frustration over the delays.
NIS RESPONSE AND ASSURANCES
In response, Kenneth Udo acknowledged the issue and attributed the delay to backlogs from the previous administration. He assured that the NIS Comptroller General is personally involved in resolving the problem and working with the Office of the Accountant General and Budget Office to address it.
COMMITMENT TO RESOLUTION
Udo apologized for the inconvenience and assured that the NIS is committed to rectifying the situation. Despite these assurances, recruits remain skeptical as they await payment. The controversy highlights broader systemic issues within administrative processes and their impact on new civil service members.