NIS seeks Capacity Building on Audited Financial Reporting from Fiscal Responsibility Commission 

Oru Leonard

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has expressed its readiness to strengthen transparency, accountability, and financial discipline by seeking technical support and capacity building on audited financial reporting from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).
This was disclosed during a one-day working visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, to the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako, at the Commission’s headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, Esq., warmly received the NIS delegation and commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for its vital role in securing Nigeria’s borders and facilitating lawful migration. He praised the dedication and professionalism of NIS personnel, noting that effective border management remains critical to national security and economic stability.

Muruako used the opportunity to underscore the importance of sound financial governance in public institutions. He emphasized that the preparation of annual audited financial reports is not only a statutory obligation under the Fiscal Responsibility Act but also a global best practice that enhances institutional credibility. According to him, consistent and transparent financial reporting helps government agencies to track resource utilization, improve decision-making, and strengthen public confidence.

The FRC Chairman noted that for an agency such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, which interfaces with international partners and multilateral organizations, the production of credible audited financial statements would significantly boost its international profile and reputation. He added that strong financial accountability frameworks are essential for attracting international cooperation, technical assistance, and donor confidence.
To support the NIS in this regard, Muruako directed the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Alhaji Bello Gulmare, to engage closely with the Service. He tasked the department with providing guidance, technical assistance, and institutional support aimed at strengthening the NIS’s capacity to prepare and sustain high-quality audited financial reports in line with approved standards.

Responding, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated that the visit was part of the Service’s broader reform agenda to deepen collaboration with key government institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. She explained that the NIS leadership recognizes the strategic importance of financial discipline in achieving efficient service delivery and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The Comptroller-General formally requested technical support and capacity-building programmes from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to train relevant NIS staff on the processes, standards, and requirements for preparing audited financial reports. She noted that such training would empower officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet statutory obligations and improve internal financial management systems.

Nandap further disclosed that since assuming office as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, she has been committed to institutional reforms aimed at improving professionalism, accountability, and performance across the Service. She expressed confidence that building staff capacity in financial reporting would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the integrity of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
She also reaffirmed the willingness of the NIS to collaborate with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and other oversight institutions in advancing good governance and sustainable national development.

Officials present at the meeting included Barrister Charles C. Abana, Director of Legal Investigation and Enforcement at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Alhaji Bello Gulmare, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Saidu Bashir Daura, Deputy Comptroller General, Finance and Accounts, and Azeez Gbolagade, Nigeria Immigration Service, Deputy Director, Revenue, Nigeria Immigration Service.

The meeting concluded with both agencies reiterating their shared commitment to fostering inter-agency cooperation, promoting fiscal discipline, and ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and responsibly in the overall interest of Nigeria’s development