NIPR Urges Immigration Personnel to Remain Nigeria's Reputation Ambassadors
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to take advantage of their position as front line officers to visitors coming into the country to demonstrate that Nigeria is a beautiful place to live and conduct businesses.
President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku who gave this charge on Friday in Abuja at the induction of public relations officers of the NIS described Immigration personnel as Nigeria's key image makers who create the first impression in the minds of visitors.
"No foreigner comes into Nigeria without passing through Immigration Service. That means you are the first image maker for anybody coming into this country. That makes you reputation ambassadors. People judge Nigeria base on your interface with them. That is how important you are", Dr. Neliaku stated.
He charged the 73 inductees to teach others the importance of the mandate of representing Nigeria and positively projecting its image at all times.
The NIPR boss while further charging the new members to understand their operating environment and tailor unique public relations solutions that deliver desired results urged them to be proud of their organisation, work towards being part of the solutions the NIS needs and speak positively of Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said public relations is no longer merely about disseminating information but a strategic function that builds public trust, protects institutional reputation, and strengthens stakeholder confidence.
Nandap who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Franca Nwanneka said the professionalisation of the Service public relations department reflects its commitment to building an innovative, and service-oriented NIS.
She urged the 73 inductees to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their Executive Membership Class to upscale service delivery in their respective Commands and Formations.
“As custodians of the Service’s image, you are expected to communicate with professionalism, integrity, accuracy, and responsibility. You must proactively tell the Service’s story, promote our achievements, manage crises effectively, and reinforce public confidence in our mandate,” she stated.
