Tony Akuneme, a deputy comptroller of immigration, has been appointed as the new service public relations officer with the approval of Nigeria’s comptroller general, Isah Idris.
Akuneme takes over for DCI Amos Okpu, who retired after 35 years of exemplary service to the country.
DCI Akuneme is an Imo State native. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Rivers State University in Port Harcourt. In addition, he has a Master’s in International Law and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Lagos.
The NIS remarked that Akuneme brings to the Service Public Relations Department 29 years of broad and comprehensive experience in border security in a statement obtained.
It added that he has attended various courses within and outside the country, including the Superintendent Basic Course at the Immigration Training School, Kano.
The statement reads, “Throughout his career in the NIS, he has served in various capacities. With a well-established track record of achievements in Public Relations, he was in 2015, seconded to the office of the Minister of State for Education as Special Assistant on Media, a position he held till 2019.
“He has previously served in various formations at home and abroad. He was Deputy Zonal PRO Zone A, Lagos from 1995 to 2005, PRO, Akwa Ibom State Command, from 2005 to 2008, Deputy Service PRO from 2008 to 2011 and Immigration Attache, Nigeria High Commission Canada from 2011 to 2014.
Until his recent appointment, he was the Head of the Immigration Desk, Nigeria Diaspora Commission. DCI Akuneme has since assumed duty as the Public Relations officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service.”