“Federal Government Directs Immigration to Resolve Passport Backlog in Two Weeks”

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, conveyed this order during a meeting with high-ranking government officials, including Acting Comptroller-General Adepoju Carol of the NIS and the Managing Director of Iris Smart Technologies, a third-party company responsible for passport booklet production.

Emphasizing the situation’s urgency and his commitment to eliminating obstacles in obtaining passports and immigration documents, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed his concern over the persistent delays in passport processing and enrollment in Nigeria. He acknowledged the frustration experienced by citizens, causing significant delays in obtaining essential travel documents.

Commitment to Improve Passport Acquisition Process”

The minister emphasized that the passport issue is now a national emergency and embarrassment, even for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He insisted on clearing the backlog within two weeks, reiterating that he receives daily complaints from Nigerians about the passport acquisition process. Read Also:  https://legalattorneyblog.com/2023/08/09/fg-repatriates-161-nigerians-detained-for-immigration-offences-in-libya/https://legalattorneyblog.com/2023/08/09/fg-repatriates-161-nigerians-detained-for-immigration-offences-in-libya/

To stay informed about the situation, Minister Tunji-Ojo revealed that he receives daily updates on passport enrollments and reports from the NIS on his phone, emphasizing the citizens’ right to own a passport if they can afford it. He also pledged to clear outstanding debts by November.

Nigeria Immigration Service Ordered to Clear Passport Backlog

In response to the minister’s directive, Acting Comptroller-General Adepoju Carol and Managing Director Yinka Fisher assured that all necessary resources and measures would be deployed to expedite processing of pending passport applications. Despite the many pending applications, they confirmed that sufficient passport booklets had been secured to clear the backlog.

Additionally, Minister Tunji-Ojo held strategic meetings with other government officials, including Abdulganiyu Jaji, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service; Haliru Nababa, Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS); and Dr Abubakar Ahmed Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).