President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension for the tenures of the heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), allowing both agencies additional time to sustain ongoing reforms and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
The extension affects Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Under the new arrangement, Nwakuche will remain in office until May 26, 2028, while Nandap’s tenure will run until June 30, 2028.
According to a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the approval followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The decision is intended to address a potential leadership succession gap in both agencies and provide their respective boards with sufficient time to identify and appoint suitable successors.
President Tinubu commended the two service chiefs for the reforms recorded under their leadership, urging them to build on the progress already made and strengthen the achievements of their respective institutions.
Nwakuche was nominated by President Tinubu as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024, with the Senate confirming his appointment in March 2025.
Similarly, Nandap was nominated to lead the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, and received Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.
The tenure extensions form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to maintain administrative continuity within the country’s correctional and immigration institutions while ensuring an orderly process for leadership succession.
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The approval means both officials will continue to oversee their respective agencies beyond their previously expected tenure periods, with a renewed responsibility to consolidate reforms and advance the operational effectiveness of the services.
By Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
October 19, 2026
