By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has launched the automated passport application process to expedite passport acquisition for Nigerians and eliminate the bottlenecks involved in the process, with the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, receiving commendations from Nigerians for this initiative.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in a statement on Monday said the launch followed a live demonstration session hosted by Mr Tunji-Ojo, who unveiled the functionality of the new system to stakeholders from across the country on Saturday in Abuja.
Speaking during the technical session, the Minister noted that the new reform seeks to redefine how citizens enrol and procure international passports in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister assured the public that this new solution would enhance national security and data protection, saying it would also bring about convenience, reduced processing time, and an overall seamless experience.
“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 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 per cent 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).
Adding her input, the Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, stated that the new process was a result of hard work and determination of the Service.
Speaking on the readiness of the system and the men 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.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka