The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) inaugurated an automated passport application process on Monday to help Nigerians obtain passports more quickly.
The NIS said in a statement on Monday that the launch came after a live demonstration session organised by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday in Abuja to showcase the capabilities of the new system to stakeholders from around the country.
During the technical session, the Minister stated that the new reform seeks to rethink how citizens enrol in and obtain international passports in keeping with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
With an emphasis on convenience, reduced processing time, and an overall seamless experience, the Minister assured the public that this new solution will enhance national security and data protection.
He said: “With the new solution, application, processing, review, and approval will all be done online. On knowledge transfer, we have trained our officers to assume the new roles.
“With what we have done now, we have reduced the process of requesting for a passport to about six minutes. This does not require anybody to visit the immigration office and it will reduce the pressure on the immigration officers.
“As I speak, we have made arrangements for power and internet service providers to ensure at least 99.9% uptime. By February, Nigerians in the diaspora can have this same experience.”
On identity theft, the Minister disclosed that the Service has also achieved its objective of harmonization of data through its technical handshake with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC.
Speaking on the readiness of the system and the men of the Service, the Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, stated that the new process was a result of hardwork and determination of the Service.
She said: “What you’re seeing today is the product of dedication and motivation to see that an end comes to the stress, pains, and hardship that Nigerians go through to procure the international passport both at home and in the diaspora.
“We are motivated to stamp out corruption. That the Green Passport is restored to its place of pride. The Minister, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has challenged the Service, and has provided resources and technical know-how.”