Nigerians residing abroad have received assurance that the challenges associated with obtaining Nigerian passports will soon become a thing of the past, as the government implements a comprehensive strategy to establish a seamless and efficient passport processing system.
The Federal Government has announced its plans to introduce enhanced e-Passport facilities in select Nigerian Embassies worldwide, as part of a pilot program aimed at eventually implementing this system globally. This initiative is intended to position Nigeria as a pioneer of technological innovation within the African continent.
During the inaugural 2024 Diaspora Webinar Lecture Series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) under the theme “New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora,” the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a seamless and efficient passport experience for Nigerians, both domestically and internationally.
This commitment, Tunji-Ojo emphasized, stems directly from the directive of President Bola Tinubu, as part of his renewed hope agenda for the nation. Highlighting the importance of providing world-class service commensurate with Nigeria’s status as a leading nation in Africa, Tunji-Ojo announced that starting from March 8, 2024, Nigerians will benefit from a contactless passport application process, reducing processing time to a maximum of seven to ten minutes.
Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo outlined the ongoing efforts to modernize the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and improve service delivery. These efforts include the clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs within three weeks, deployment of E-Gates at international airports, and plans for the installation of a modern control center at key airports to enhance immigration processes.
Leveraging technology, the Minister emphasized, will simplify passport acquisition, with applicants only requiring their National Identification Number (NIN) for biometric verification. Plans are also underway to automate the passport enrollment process, enabling online applications and home delivery of passports, thereby eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
Addressing concerns raised by participants from various continents regarding existing challenges in passport application and delivery processes, the Minister reassured them of the government’s commitment to prompt resolution.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, commended the efforts to keep Nigerians abroad informed about government programs and reforms. Additionally, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, emphasized that the new process would significantly reduce human interaction, alleviate inconvenience, and save time for both applicants and immigration personnel.
Adepoju highlighted the impressive passport production figures of the Nigerian Immigration Service in recent years and assured that efforts would be made to ensure timely passport delivery to applicants.
