By ACG James Sunday (Rtd), FCAI, MNIIA
The recent drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving Senator Natasha Uduaghan and officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) calls for caution. We are not in a banana republic. Personal grouse should not be elevated to a national problem.
As a researcher, I have reviewed Order 16 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023), which states that all Senators must notify the Senate President before travelling outside the country. This aligns with Section 63 of the Nigerian Constitution. The question is: what went wrong?
It is important to understand that immigration security clearance at airports operates under several notifications and directives. When an individual is watch-listed or stop-listed, they must obtain a vacation order from a competent authority, either a court or the security agency that initiated the action. Unfortunately, the Nigeria Immigration Service has repeatedly been dragged into situations that are self-inflicted by the individuals involved.
Many politically-exposed persons have been restricted from travelling because they were fully aware of pending issues with the government, security services, or courts. Yet, they still proceed to the airport, only to stage public drama when clearance is denied.
In my 35 years of service, I have lawfully enforced refusal of admission or departure in line with official responsibilities and delegated authority at airports and other border posts. High-profile individuals must respect the rule of law and immigration protocols to avoid creating scenes at airports or border crossings.
Nigerians comply with all procedures when they travel abroad. Why then do some refuse to comply at home? We must return to patriotism and uphold the rules that protect our national sovereignty. These public spectacles do not only embarrass officials on lawful duty, they embarrass the nation.