Nigerian Passport Issuance to See Expedited Process: Minister of Interior Assures
In a significant development, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that Nigerians will no longer endure prolonged waiting times for international passports.
The minister provided this assurance during a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
As of September 7, Minister Tunji-Ojo had issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to address and clear the existing passport application backlogs.
Remarkably, the NIS successfully processed all 204,332 pending applications, culminating in a substantial reduction of waiting times.
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In his address, Tunji-Ojo declared, “No one will ever wait for two weeks to get passports again.
If you apply and have been captured, you will get your passport within two weeks.”
The minister further highlighted that the Immigration Service had implemented three shifts to expedite the clearance of backlogs, ensuring that such delays would not recur in the country’s history. He affirmed that this was not a temporary measure, but a permanent solution.
To further streamline passport issuance, the NIS, in collaboration with its partners, will enhance its systems.
Starting from December 2023, applicants will no longer be required to physically visit passport offices for data capture. Instead, individuals will be able to upload their passport photos and supporting documents online, with biometrics taken exclusively at the passport office.
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In addition, the ministry plans to introduce passport front offices, enabling individuals to process their passports conveniently within close proximity to their residences.
The solution providers have been given a three-month window to implement this initiative; otherwise, their contracts may be subject to revocation.
This bold step by the Ministry of Interior reflects a commitment to streamline passport issuance processes, offering Nigerian citizens a more efficient and seamless experience when applying for international passports.
