The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the automation of passport applications in Nigeria is nearing completion, with 99% of the process done.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo stated that the automated system is expected to go live next week.
He emphasized that the new automated system will significantly streamline the passport application process, making it more convenient for applicants.
With the automation, Nigerians will only need to visit an immigration center for biometrics, such as fingerprinting. Other steps, including uploading passport pictures and supporting documents, can be completed from the comfort of one’s home, similar to the visa application process.
Recall that Tunji-Ojo had previously pledged reforms to simplify the passport application process, expressing the ministry’s commitment to ending the “chaotic” nature of the current system.
The minister highlighted the importance of making life easier for people and reducing the frustration associated with passport applications.
As part of the upcoming reforms, the minister emphasized that starting from December, applicants will be able to fill out forms and make payments online, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices for these tasks. The new system aims to bring efficiency and ease to the entire application process.
The minister assured that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), portal will facilitate the online submission of necessary details, and only a biometric capture will be required in person.
This move is in line with global practices, allowing applicants to complete most steps online and visit immigration offices for a brief biometric capture.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the era of lengthy enrollment procedures is over, and Nigerians have the right to experience a seamless and convenient passport application process.
He also provided an update on the backlog of international passports, noting that 204,322 passports are ready for collection out of a backlog of over 300,000, with only 99,901 collected so far.
