Nigeria launches automated system to end passport application nightmare

The Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a major breakthrough in the Nigerian passport application process.

In a press conference marking his first year in office on Friday in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the automated passport system would soon be launched and would be fully operational by October.

He said: “We will soon be rolling out this automated system. In October, they will be fully operational. In London, for example, we have 16,000 Nigerians applying for passports, while our system capacity at the Embassy is about 200 people.

“But now that this system is in place, Nigerians no longer need to travel around the world to get a passport.”

“We now have a stock of around 80,000 passports, including 32-page and 64-page booklets.”

The minister stressed that the plan was designed to address the tedious passport application process, especially for Nigerians living abroad.

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Passport application challenges

In the past, Nigerians faced major obstacles in obtaining passports. For example, in London, 16,000 Nigerians are waiting to apply, but the embassy’s capacity is limited to 200 people. This leads to many trips around the world, causing inconvenience and hardship.

New automated system

Upcoming automated systems promise to solve this problem. With 80,000 passports already available, including 32-page and 64-page booklets, Nigerians can expect a smoother application process. This new system will eliminate the need for long journeys, and ensure that passports are accessible to all eligible citizens.

Background

Nigeria has been working to improve its passport services. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) earlier cleared a backlog of 204,332 passports.

The NIS also urges applicants to collect their passports from designated offices. This effort shows the government’s commitment to simplifying passport applications.

What to expect

In October, Nigerians can expect:

– Fully automated passport application process

– Improved efficiency in application processing

– Reduces the need for travel to obtain a passport

– Increased accessibility to passports for eligible citizens.

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