Tunji-Ojo launches online passport process portal after automation
Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo will today launch the first online portal for passport application in Abuja, after months of planning and media rounds on the good news of applicants having the luxury to access the portal from the comfort of their homes or offices or anywhere else else of their choice.
He disclosed the launch date during a demonstration of the portal on Friday with Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller General Caroline Adepoju.
Tunji-Ojo said the online passport application platform has been established for Nigerians and foreigners eligible for the travel document, per The PUNCH.
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Automation of passport process
Tunji-Ojo had announced in December the federal government was working to ensure a full automation of passport application, saying it was “99 per cent done”, and would include uploading passport photographs and supporting documents.
According to him, Nigerian applicants who want 32-page passports with five-year validity will pay N25,000 while those who want 64-page passports with 10-year validity will pay N70,000.
Foreign applicants who wish to apply for 32-page passports with five-year validity will pay $130 and those who prefer 64-page passports with 10-year validity will pay $230.
Tunji-Ojo stressed candidates must submit their applications at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng
Dignitaries present at the demonstration of the portal on Friday included Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCom) Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa; International Organisation for Migration (IOM) representative Stephen Matete; Development Alternatives Incorporated Country Manager Joe Abah; Kwandala Foundation founder Tijjani Musa; and Technext co-founder David Afolayan.
Netizens pick “Passport Fixer” Tunji-Ojo as Tinubu’s best Minister
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“There is a man who is making us believe that the system can work and the name of that man is Olubunmi Tunji Ojo [BTO]. He is a beacon of hope to the masses” – Tanimola Omotayo (X)
“I deeply appreciate the Minister’s unwavering dedication and the impactful strides he’s making in shaping a brighter future for all” – Olanrewaju Yetunde (Facebook)
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Tunji-Ojo has said he does not want to be known only as the Minister who fixed passport delay, but him clearing up the backlog and making new applications easier have impressed Japa guys and other middle class demographics.
Bola Tinubu’s Interior Minister achieved in less than four months what Muhammadu Buhari’s Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola scratched and scraped for over four years without moving the needle.
Tuji-Ojo has also facilitated the release of funds that paid fines for awaiting trial inmates which led to their freedom and the freeing up of prison space.
Departments in the Interior Ministry include Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), but all eyes are always on Immigration that issues passport, the possession of which confers a status symbol of upward social mobility even if the holder is yet to travel abroad.
So the chattering classes of netizens, influencers, and opinion leaders have coalesced into a strong voice on social media to appraise and applaud Tunji-Ojo for his “outstanding” performance since he took over from Aregbesola.
Tinubu appointed him and other Ministers in August, and a few of them are in the tick of things but Nigerians agree Tunji-Ojo stands out for his impactful achievements such as clearance of passport backlogs, clearance of National Identity Number (NIN) modification backlogs, prison decongestion, e-gate in one of the international airports, et cetera.
Tunji-Ojo is Minister of the Year
Below are some of the views posted across social media platforms as collated by The Nation.
Eniola (X, formerly Twitter)
“Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo came to national politics underrated but with the little time spent as the Minister of Interior, he has proved that some big wigs are just overrated.
“Thank you for changing the narrative and giving the youth a new perspective.”
Bright Okuta (Facebook)
“Tinubu’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is perhaps the only performing government official in this administration. He embodies competence, dedication and commitment. A worthy pick.”
Ben Ovo (X)
“Some of us have forgotten who a public servant is, but thanks to the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for bringing back to our consciousness what it means to be a public servant.
“Thank you sir for your commitment and resilience towards positive change.”
AbuAbdulHameed7 (X)
“One of the most visionary and impactful ministers in PBAT administration is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister.
“What he has done so far has shown us that indeed Nigeria will be great and will prosper. We have never had a minister like him; selfless and a believer of a greater Nigeria.”
Okani Evelyn (X)
“Meet the most hardworking, most disciplined minister in this administration so far.
“Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has since his day of appointment proved to us that [he is] not here to play. He has made me believe personally that Nigeria can be great again.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, Sir.”
Nkemdili Ofor (X)
“If competent was human, it would be you. You have raised the standard so high. Thank you for being so passionate and intentional about our country.”
Tanimola Omotayo (X)
“There is a man who is making us believe that the system can work and the name of that man is Olubunmi Tunji Ojo [BTO]. He is a beacon of hope to the masses.
“BTO shall succeed and this brings us to the saying ‘To whom much is given, [of him] much is expected.”’
Olanrewaju Yetunde (Facebook)
“The Minister of Interior holds a special place in my regard. His consistent dedication and tireless efforts toward enhancing the interior dynamics of our nation have been truly remarkable.
“His unwavering commitment to improving systems and ensuring the well-being of our citizens resonates deeply with me. I find inspiration in his leadership style, which exudes confidence and a strong vision for a better tomorrow.
“His initiatives and proactive approach to governance reflect a genuine passion for positive change, instilling a renewed sense of hope for progress and development in our country.
“I deeply appreciate the Minister’s unwavering dedication and the impactful strides he’s making in shaping a brighter future for all.”
Adeyemi Oluwasholape (Facebook)
“To the Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo. I sincerely appreciate your commitment and doggedness toward the development of this great nation. I am not one of those who go about hyping politicians but I must confess that your kind is rare.
“We need more of your kind in the political space to make Nigeria the home we all yearn to have. I pray for you today that your wishes will come through, your aura will be contagious in this administration, and through you, this country will breathe a good breath.”
Oladapo Babatunde Aborowa (Facebook)
“Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, stands [out] as a prominent advocate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His unwavering dedication makes him a valuable gift from PBAT to Nigerians.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside such commitment. His dedication is a gift to Nigerians, and it’s truly an honour and privilege to work alongside him.
“There are some reforms Tunji-Ojo has planned for execution in 2024 by the instructions of Tinubu such as passport delivery at door steps of the applicants. Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice, establishments.
“Rehabilitation of more prisons and barracks for the correctional workers, as well as further decongestion of the facilities, deployment of technology in our land borders because a safer border is a safer nation, adoption of reciprocity in issuing visas to foreigners seeking to enter our country and others.”
