By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has disclosed it is not in its purview to issue the National Identity Number (NIN), despite it being a compulsory requirement for applicants who want to obtain the Enhanced e-passport.
According to the NIS, the NIN, which is generated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) must be provided by all applicants for enhanced e-passport to enable successful integration of their NIN and Passport data.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS) Muhammad Babandede, made this known on Friday, January 8, 2021, through a press release signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Sunday James.
NIS clarified that; although some NIMC NIN registration centers are situated within NIS formations, it should be noted that space were only provided by the NIS for ease of doing business through proximity and easy access to the NIN centers for passport applicants and passport related issues only.
As such; all fees relating to NIN acquisition, change of data on NIMC platform or any other charges relating to NIN has nothing to do with the NIS, adding that all persons who are already in possession of their NIN can apply and obtain enhanced e-passport in the NIS SHQ, Ikoyi, Festac, Alausa, Gwagwalada, Port-Harcourt and Kano main Passport Issuing Centers; subject to successful verification of the NIN.
The statement noted that other e-passport issuing centers where the old e-passport which do not require NIN are issued, remain operational.
It also stated that a monitoring team has been put in place by the CGIS to ensure smooth operation in all passport issuing centers, and any arbitrary charges relating to NIN or passport acquisition requested by any staff of the NIS should be reported to the following contacts:07080607900; 0814199908; nis.servicom@nig.immigration.org.ng;
The NIS enjoined all intending passport applicants to pay for passports on-line and to avoid patronizing touts for any Immigration facility, while assuring the general public of prompt service delivery
