The Federal Government unveiled upgraded e-passport facilities at chosen Nigerian embassies in Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Dr. Adedotun Aridegbe, said that the new passport processing centers were a part of initiatives to expedite the purchase and processing of passports for Nigerians living abroad.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improving services for the diaspora community and citizens’ diplomacy.
The improved e-passport will be gradually implemented throughout Europe, according to the Interior Minister, who announced on behalf of Caroline Adepoju, Acting Comptroller General.
He claims that in several Nigerian embassies in Europe, FG is launching more improved e-passport services.
”Phase one, which includes Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, is officially Introduced in Rome while phase two is scheduled to be implemented by the end of the week, “he said.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the e-Passport satisfies every requirement established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to him, this made Nigeria the first nation in Africa and the fifth globally to adopt the technical advancement.
“This accomplishment has garnered high regard from the international community, ” he said.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that if applicants followed the application criteria to the letter, the upgraded e-Passport would drastically cut down on processing delays in Europe.
According to him, this entails using the passport.immigration.gov.ng online application and payment platform and making sure the information on their passport application is synchronized with their National Identity Number (NIN).
The advanced travel document, he said, includes the following three categories: i. 32-page category of five-year validity ii. A 64-page validity category is valid for five years iii. Adults only: a 64-page Ten-year Validity Category
He advised candidates who had grievances to file them through the procedures listed below.
“(i) Twitter: @nigimmigration (ii) Website: www.immigration.gov.ng to interact with the virtual assistant and the Contact Center on; 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092, ” he said.