The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the automation of the passport application process in Nigeria will officially commence on January 8, 2024.
This initiative aims to enable Nigerians to apply for and complete their passport applications online without the need for direct human contact.
Speaking during an inspection of the facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to streamline and modernize the passport acquisition process.
“We are good to go live,” stated Tunji-Ojo. “We are starting the training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr. President.”
He emphasized that the move toward automation aims to reduce human contact in the passport acquisition process to the minimum, enhancing both the security architecture of the country and the comfort and convenience of Nigerian citizens.
The minister further highlighted the government’s commitment to putting an end to the submission of fake documents during passport applications.
As part of the initiative, the Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed document verification officers across all local government areas in the country to scrutinize passport applications thoroughly.