The Nigerian Postal Service, (NIPOST), has announced its intention to collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance the efficiency of passport collection.
During a visit to the Acting Comptroller General of NIS, Sunday Adepoju, the Postmaster General/CEO of NIPOST, highlighted the need for this partnership as NIPOST is developing an integrated service delivery model.
The aim is to improve the turnaround time for passport collection, benefiting from the combined efforts of both organizations.
“This service incorporates various government services and information which would be provided to citizens in a one-stop shop environment using several channels to meet different needs of the citizens at selected post office locations nationwide.
“With this proposal, NIS will leverage NIPOST infrastructure for the collection of passports and adopting the postal network as an e-fulfillment centre for enhancing the digital economy,” he explained.
Adepoju added that the roles and responsibilities of the development are for a sustainable and integrated framework for the process of e-passport, provision of courier services, and address verification validation.
The Postmaster General/CEO of NIPOST stated that the collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) aims to harmonize e-government initiatives and enhance productivity synergy between the two agencies.
The acting CG of NIS praised NIPOST for introducing a standardized digital postcode system, which will support the issuance of Nigerian passports.
This collaboration seeks to address challenges faced by Nigerians during passport registration, reduce waiting periods for biometric data capture, and streamline the passport processing procedure.
The NIS also commended NIPOST for its address verification system, which is a significant step forward in identity management and forensic crime management.
She added, “The service will continue to explore ways and cultivate strategic partnerships to help her fulfil her mandate to Nigerians.”
The Postmaster General and the acting CG agreed to develop a framework for the working relationship in due course.
