In this article, we presented details of the Nigerian Immigration Dress Code. Whether you are already a part of this paramilitary team at the Nigeria Immigration Service or nurturing aspirations of joining this organization, one question invariably lingers: What do they wear? What constitutes the uniform of the Nigeria Immigration Service? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, then you’re in the right place.
While the main point of this article revolves around decoding the Nigeria Immigration dress code, we also look into the attire worn by those who seek to become a part of this dedicated team. It’s crucial to note that the dress code for recruits differs significantly from that of the seasoned staff.
However, before we look at the dress code for this paramilitary organization, let’s take a moment to gain a deeper understanding of the Nigeria Immigration Service, its history, functions, and other essential things you may need to know.
Nigerian immigration service (NIS)
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) stands as a pivotal governmental organization tasked with the responsibilities of ensuring border security and effective migration management within Nigeria. Its roots trace back to 1958 when it emerged from the Nigeria Police (NP) as the Immigration Department, presided over by the Chief Federal Immigration Officer (CFIO).
The NIS gained formal recognition through the Immigration Act of 1963, later amended in 2014 and 2015 under the Immigration Act, 2015. Over the years, the service has evolved and adapted to contemporary migration challenges, aligning its operations with global, regional, and sub-regional political dynamics.
One of the notable advancements in NIS operations was the introduction of the Machine Readable electronic passport (MRP) in 2007, a significant step in modernizing travel documentation. Additionally, the service established an online presence through its website (www.immigration.gov.ng) and portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng), facilitating accessible information and services for the public.
The NIS has also been actively engaged in global passport interventions, in accordance with the Federal Government Policy on Citizenship Diplomacy. Furthermore, it has equipped itself with forensic laboratory services, enabling the examination of travel documents and monetary instruments to enhance security.
Among its notable contributions is the introduction of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which streamlines the regulation of expatriates residing in Nigeria. The NIS remains committed to its mission of safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and managing migration effectively, leveraging Information and Communication Technologies to fulfill its crucial duties.
Function
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) derives its authority and responsibilities from the Immigration Act of 2015. These crucial functions encompass various aspects of border security and migration management within Nigeria:
- Control of Entry and Exit: The NIS plays a pivotal role in monitoring and controlling the movement of individuals into and out of Nigeria. This entails regulating immigration procedures and ensuring the lawful entry and exit of people.
- Issuance of Travel Documents: The NIS is responsible for issuing travel documents, including Nigerian passports, to legitimate Nigerian citizens, whether they are within the country or residing abroad. This function is essential for citizens’ identification and international travel.
- Residence Permits: The service administers the issuance of residence permits to foreign nationals residing in Nigeria. This process involves regulating the stay and activities of foreigners within the country.
- Border Surveillance and Patrol: Ensuring the security and integrity of Nigeria’s borders is a paramount responsibility. The NIS conducts border surveillance and patrols to prevent illegal crossings and maintain the sovereignty of the nation.
- Enforcement of Laws: The NIS is entrusted with enforcing immigration laws and regulations directly linked to their duties. This includes apprehending and processing individuals who violate immigration laws.
- Para-Military Duties: The NIS is equipped to perform para-military duties both within and outside Nigeria as mandated by the Immigration Act or other relevant laws. This flexibility allows them to respond to various security and enforcement needs.
In essence, the Nigeria Immigration Service serves as a critical pillar in safeguarding the nation’s borders, regulating the movement of people, and maintaining the integrity of immigration processes in accordance with the laws and regulations established under the Immigration Act of 2015.
Nigeria Immigration Dress Code
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has a distinct dress code that varies depending on the day of the week and the rank within the organization. The dress code includes different uniforms for different occasions. For instance, some days call for cream uniforms, while others require wearing jackets. However, it’s important to note that the use of camouflage uniforms, which were once worn by some members of the NIS, was banned during the previous administration. This ban aimed to reserve camouflage attire primarily for military personnel, with the police allowed to wear it only for special duties or joint operations with the military.
The prohibition of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was announced by the Defense Headquarters in June 2015. These agencies, including the NIS, were given until January 2016 to withdraw such materials from their inventory. The police, however, were permitted to use camouflage uniforms during joint military operations or specific anti-riot missions.
For new recruits at the NIS, they do not wear the complete uniform until after undergoing training at their respective training schools. Initially, during induction, recruits begin with white attire. During documentation too, they’re to wear a polo shirt, shorts, canvas, and stocks—all white as well. As they progress, they are issued jungle hats and white trousers, which can be either combat trousers or those meant for cream uniforms. It’s only after being commissioned that they start wearing jackets, cream uniforms, and other attire associated with their rank and role within the NIS. This process ensures that recruits gradually transition into their full uniforms as they receive training and take on their official duties.
The color of the uniform worn by Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) operatives is usually Beige in color; some may have Antique White, Oat, Bone, Comic Latte colors, and more.
The typical NIS uniform comprises the following components:
- Short-sleeved shirt/jacket: Crafted from durable fabric, the NIS jacket has a collar and epaulettes. It fastens with buttons down the front. The NIS logo is intricately embroidered on it, while the operative’s name and rank adorn the right chest pocket.
- Trousers: Made from the same durable polyester fabric as the shirt, NIS trousers feature a straight leg design and a waistbelt loop.
- Boots: NIS operatives commonly wear black or beige-colored boots, valued for their sturdiness and comfort. Some even provide ample ankle support.
- Beret: NIS operatives don berets in colors like beige and chocolate, depending on their rank. These berets are slightly tilted to the left, with the NIS badge pinned on the front.
- Name tag: The NIS name tag is a small metal plate or piece of clothing engraved with the operative’s name and rank. It is typically affixed or sewn together to the left chest pocket of the uniform.
- Rank badge: Another small badge, usually made of metal, the NIS rank badge features the operative’s rank insignia and is worn on the right epaulet of the uniform.
- NIS badge: This round metal badge proudly displays the NIS logo and the words “Nigerian Immigration Service.” It is swen on the front of the beret and sometimes on the jacket’s front pocket.
The NIS uniform is a symbol of professionalism and dignity, representing the Nigerian Immigration Service and the crucial responsibilities fulfilled by its operatives.
The information contained herein is derived from data obtained from sources believed by the author to be reliable and in good faith, but no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the content, and the post may be updated from time to time without notice.