The custom Babandede sowed in NIS now blossoming

There’s an institution which has always been defined by individuals. And here goes its new brass hat shoving all credits to the institution

By OLUSEGUN ELIJAH

Bayo Onanuga of the News Agency of Nigeria had to get bald with the Nigerian Immigration Service recently. And he wasn’t the hard hitter he’s always been this time.

“You should publicise NIS activities and achievements to create and promote a positive image for Nigeria,” the NAN CEO said.

It was a mouthful there, truly. And the man he addressed—the new comptroller-general of the Nigerian Immigration—is no pinhead. CG Muhammad Babandede got the message hook, line, and sinker. Not because the nugget from the top newsman was something out of the blue. But because the advice syncs well with the NIS boss’ idea of public service, especially in an institution.

Those who know Babandede as a public servant can tell you he likes giving his best for no credit. “He has a vision of developing a world-class and strong Nigerian Immigration Service that will outlive all of us and remain sustainable no matter who is in charge,” a public affairs watcher Innocent Okadigbo wrote. “This old fashion of saying this person did this or that is no part of Babandede’s style and vision. He wants all credits to go to the service.”

So, basically, Nigeria—and indeed the world—has, since May, been hearing about the NIS—its reforms, strategies, and innovations. They all bear the fingerprints of Babandede, though.

That’s good for the image of the President Muhammadu Buhari government. It’s good for Nigerians, too, and better for those who are trying to blot out the 2014 NIS recruitment scandal. A number of applicants died in stampedes that greeted the screening in major centres across Nigeria. Except in Lagos. Babandede was ACG in the state then. By foresight, he had to call off the screening that day, saving the NIS worse embarrassments, and Nigeria, more losses. Even now that he’s CCG, Babandede has secured the interior minister’s approval to review that recruitment, which, in spite of its skewed process, jobbed 2000 applicants (though later dismissed) into the service.

Certainly, the review is about due process—for which the new NIS helmsman has gained a reputation. “He has raised the bar not only of efficiency and excellence, but of equity and fair-play in this relatively short span,” said Joachin Olumba, an ex-spokesperson of the service. He confirmed the NIS personnel are witnessing and feeling Babandede’s impact now—as a compassionate leader.

Well, staff welfare is among the major planks he said his administration will rest on. And his reason for including this is clear: “When members of staff are motivated to do the job, you can reward those who have done well and punish those who have erred,” he said.“Then you can get a lot of opportunities for growth.”

Others of his goals include making the service modern, effective, and efficient. It may be hard embodying the vision, but it’s within limits. The passport service, for instance, was a blight on the NIS performance over the years. Apart from its corruption that stank to high heaven, the passport service had a snail-speed process that frustrated applicants.

But all that is disappearing now. According to SERVICOM, the NIS has been producing passport booklets in about 78 hours. Babandede said the problem was the manual approach. And the plan is under way to digitise the entire process. “Our new target this time around is 48 hours,” he said.“If we automate the system, we will reduce the period for production of the booklets.”

To end the rot, too, he started decentralising the service, right off the bat, on his appointment in May. That was after he studied previous reforms, and their loopholes—ike people having to come to Abuja for quick service delivery. “You know this creates tension in the system and even encourages corruption because of the pressure,”he said in an interview.

Now things are becoming clearer. And Babandede seems sure-footed getting his bearing as the NIS boss. It’s not unexpected. He has a lot on the ball in this particular area because he headed it as, first, ACG, then DCG, between 2012 and 2015 respectively. His all-round experience of the process over these years definitely will mean a lot now.

It’s only four months down the line. And the quiet revolution in the NIS is beginning to waft out waves of change. Nigerians and Interior Minister Abdulrahaman Dambazzau have high hopes Bababande will perform up to scratch. He has the experience—as the longest-serving in the NIS. He’s got the education, too: a BA in history/Islamic studies and a Masters in law enforcement and criminal justice. Plus, he’s got the youth. At 53, he’s among the current young breed of leaders making good in public service and business. His MFR is a statement.

And, still, he’s got an edge: making no noise while making waves. But there’s no smoke without fire. So each time the NIS hits the headline—on the credit side—Babandede remains the unseen mover.