Immigration clears 60,000 passport backlogs four days after minister’s intervention

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) cleared 60,000 backlogs in four working days.

He made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja while welcoming the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, during a courtesy visit.

“When we came on board, the passport crisis was an embarrassment. And, we said: it cannot continue!” a statement from the minister’s spokesperson, Alao Babatunde, his principal expressed.

“As of this morning, I can tell you that about 60,000 passport backlogs have been cleared, especially 59,906. On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, when I gave the 2-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 backlogs. We have recorded progress, and I maintain my word that those backlogs must be cleared.”

From her part, Edu emphasized that the visit aimed to strengthen the partnership with the ministry in addressing issues such as human trafficking, as well as related challenges like inadequate support for veterans, underemployment, and poverty among the citizens.

She pointed out that the ministry is best equipped to address human trafficking concerns as it plays a supervisory role in the NIS.

The Minister of Interior, in response, assured her of his full cooperation.

“His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed us to see the place of partnership as agents of his #RenewedHope Agenda, and we are here to deliver on this mandate,” he added.

“We assure you of our support. Your initiative is progressive and commendable, especially at this crucial time in the history of our country. There is a lot of work to be done, and we cannot work in silos as the President has directed.”