Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to providing a seamless and efficient passport experience for Nigerians, both at home and abroad. Tunji-Ojo reiterated that this commitment stems from President Bola Tinubu’s directive to him and other cabinet members as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the inaugural 2024 Diaspora Webinar Lecture Series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), themed “New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to delivering top-notch service commensurate with its status as the giant of Africa.
Effective from March 8, 2024, Nigerians will enjoy a contactless passport application process, reducing the entire procedure’s completion time to a maximum of seven to 10 minutes. This significant reform is part of broader efforts to modernize the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and improve service delivery to citizens.
Highlighting achievements and sweeping reforms within the ministry and its agencies, particularly the NIS, the minister underscored milestones such as clearing over 200,000 passport backlogs within three weeks of assuming office and deploying e-Gates at international airports to streamline entry and exit processes.
The minister outlined plans for modern control centers across international airports in Abuja and Lagos to enhance immigration officers’ capacity and provide Nigerians with a seamless travel experience. Leveraging technology, Nigerians will only need their National Identification Number (NIN) for passport applications and biometrics, reducing the risk of identity fraud.
Furthermore, plans are underway to automate passport enrollment processes, enabling online applications, biometric capture, and home delivery of passports, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
Responding to concerns raised by participants from various continents regarding passport application and delivery challenges, the minister assured them of the government’s commitment to resolving these issues promptly.
Encouraging Nigerians to take pride in acquiring passports, the minister highlighted the new process as ushering in a new era of hope and progress for the nation and its diaspora community, emphasizing collaboration with NIDCOM.
Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the minister’s efforts, stressing the significance of the Diaspora Lecture Series in keeping Nigerians abroad informed about government programs and reforms.
In her presentation, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, emphasized the new process’s potential to reduce human interaction, eliminate inconveniences, and save time for both applicants and immigration personnel.
Adepoju noted the NIS’s significant passport production figures in recent years and assured improvements in passport production and distribution, promising a positive change from March onward.
This marks NIDCOM’s first diaspora virtual lecture series in 2024, setting a precedent for informed engagement and collaboration between the government and Nigerians in the diaspora.