FG automates passport application, request process now to last six minutes

Nigeria has automated its passport application process to expedite passport acquisition for citizens.

A statement Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said the launch followed a live demonstration session hosted by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiling the functionality of the new system to stakeholders from across the country on Saturday in Abuja.

The minister, who spoke at the technical session, noted that the new reform seeks to redefine how citizens enrol and procure the international passport in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

With an emphasis on convenience, reduced processing time, and an overall seamless experience, the minister assured the public that this new solution will enhance national security and data protection.

According to him, “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 for 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% uptime. By February, Nigerians in the diaspora can have this same experience.”

On identity theft, the minister disclosed that NIS has also achieved its objective of harmonisation of data through its technical collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Speaking on the readiness of the system and the men of the Service, 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.