Interior Minister to ease passport  process in Nigeria, says it’s no longer business as usual

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Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has conveyed plans to dismantle barriers that have hindered efficient passport administration processes of the Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS).

Dr. Ojo who made this known during his inaugural visit to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 30th August, 2023 stated that passport administration in Nigeria would no longer be business as usual.

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In a statement eSigned by Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Aridegbe Adedotun PhD and made available, the Minister said that a dedicated team was being set up, comprising NIS officials and Ministry of Interior representatives to critically examine and recommend strategies that would dismantle the barriers that have hindered efficient processes.

According to him,  the extensive delays endured by Nigerians while awaiting Passport issuance are no longer tolerable. “Acquiring a Passport is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he emphasized. “This is the time to feel the pains of Nigerians and through our actions, show that we care.”

 He expressed discontent with some agreements between NIS and its technical partners that may have over the years tied down the Service, and vowed to take decisive measures to rectify such issues promptly.

 On his leadership role, Dr. Tunji-Ojo articulated his desire to collaborate closely with the NIS, fully aware of the weighty responsibilities he shoulders. He pledged to provide guidance while earning the trust and confidence of all personnel within the Service, holding himself accountable for the outcomes.

The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju,  in her welcome address provided the Minister with an overview of the duties, operations, and challenges faced by the NIS. 

She acknowledged the support of Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, extolling her for assuming the roles of both a leader and mother to the NIS.

The Acting CGI expressed the NIS management’s alignment with the Minister’s vision and assured him of the Service’s full cooperation to ensure his success in the endeavor.