Tinubu Grants 18-Month Tenure Extensions to Correctional Service and Immigration Chiefs.

President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension of tenure for two key security agency heads, a move aimed at bridging succession gaps and ensuring continuity in Nigeria's correctional and immigration services.

The beneficiaries are Sylvester Nwakuche, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service. Following the presidential approval, Mr. Nwakuche's tenure will now run until May 26, 2028, while Ms. Nandap's appointment extends to June 30, 2028.

The extension followed a recommendation from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to the presidency, the decision was necessitated by a succession gap in both services and is expected to give the governing board sufficient time to identify and appoint capable successors without disrupting operations.

President Tinubu, in approving the extensions, commended both officials for the reforms they have championed under their leadership. He urged them to use the additional time to consolidate the gains recorded so far and push for further improvements in their respective agencies.

Mr. Nwakuche's journey to the helm of the Correctional Service began in December 2024 when President Tinubu nominated him for the position. The Senate confirmed his appointment in March 2025, paving the way for him to lead the agency responsible for the management of custodial centres across the country.

Ms. Nandap's appointment followed a similar path. She was nominated as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, with the Senate confirming her appointment just over a week later on March 1, 2024. Since then, she has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen border management and modernise immigration processes.

The tenure extensions come at a critical time for both agencies, which have been implementing various reform initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing security, and addressing longstanding challenges within their operations.

The Correctional Service has faced persistent issues, including overcrowding in custodial facilities and calls for comprehensive reform of the penal system. Under Mr. Nwakuche's leadership, the service has been working to address these concerns while improving conditions for inmates and staff alike.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Service has been focused on leveraging technology to enhance border security, streamline passport issuance, and improve the overall efficiency of immigration services for Nigerians and foreign nationals.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Observers note that the extension provides stability at the top of both agencies and signals the administration's confidence in the current leadership. It also allows the government to avoid the disruption that often accompanies leadership transitions in critical security agencies.

With the extensions now in place, all eyes will be on Mr. Nwakuche and Ms. Nandap to deliver on the president's charge to deepen reforms and strengthen their respective services over the next 18 months.