President Tinubu Extends Mandate of Immigration and Prison Chiefs to Close Succession Gap

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an 18-month tenure extension for the heads of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The decision extends the leadership of Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Controller-General of the NCoS, and Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the NIS. Following the presidential approval, Nwakuche’s term will now conclude on May 26, 2028, while Nandap’s tenure is set to run until June 30, 2028.

According to a State House press release issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the decision followed a strategic recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The extension was designed to bridge an impending succession gap within both security agencies.

The additional window provides the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) with sufficient time to oversee a smooth transitioning process and formally appoint their eventual successors.

Consolidating Internal Security Reforms

President Tinubu commended both Nwakuche and Nandap for driving major institutional reforms under their respective leadership structures, charging them to consolidate these progress areas moving forward.

Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche was originally nominated to lead the Correctional Service by President Tinubu in December 2024 and was subsequently confirmed by the Senate in March 2025.

Kemi Nanna Nandap was appointed as Comptroller-General of Immigration on February 21, 2024, securing Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.

The extended mandates come at a critical time as the federal government intensifies border surveillance, passport administration updates, and criminal justice system reforms across Nigeria.