FG Issues Timeline for Processing Of Passports, All Backlog Cleared
Federal Government, FG, has introduced a two week timeline for the processing of international passports of eligible applicants.
Already, Nigeria immigration has cleared all the backlog of 204,332 passports within three weeks, in its offices Nationwide.
During a news conference in Abuja, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo provided an update, stating that out of the 204,332 passports that have been cleared, 91,281 have already been collected.
The minister strongly encourages all applicants to promptly visit the passport offices in their respective locations to collect their passports, emphasizing that no additional charges should be incurred.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the collection of a N5,000 compliance fee from applicants by immigration officials is illegal.
He urged those affected by this issue to lodge complaints with his office for appropriate action to be taken.
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Tunji-Ojo also said plans have reached an advanced stage to release over 4,000 of the over 77,000 inmates in Nigeria’s prisons, as part of efforts to decongest custodial centers Nationwide.
He explained that the targeted 4,000 inmates remain in prisons because they could not pay fines imposed at the conclusion of their trial.
The minister said he has perused all the contracts and agreements the ministry and its agencies had entered into with service providers, saying in the next couple of months, passport applicants would be able to upload their own passport photographs via the immigration portal, rather than going to passport offices for such capture.
According to him, applicants would only be required to visit the passport offices for their biometrics enrollment.
“Hopefully, by December, people will not need to physically visit passport offices for snapping or taking pictures. This is 2023, and we are moving forward. People will be able to upload their passport photographs online with specified requirements. When applying for a visa, this process will be streamlined, and we are making advancements in that direction. Additionally, supporting documents can also be uploaded online. When you visit the passport office, it will primarily be for biometrics, and within five minutes, you’ll be on your way. We aim to eliminate the past situation where people spent entire days at passport offices. Instead of capturing maybe 400 applicants a day, these innovations will enable us to accommodate more people efficiently. It’s important to note that despite the prevailing exchange rate, we are not increasing passport fees. President Tinubu’s government understands the needs of the people, and personally, I do not want anyone to endure a passport office visit for more than 10 minutes.”
