After biometric capture, passport now ready in 2 weeks as automation launched
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigerians at home and abroad can now apply online for passports, following the launch of the automated passport application portal on Monday, according to Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
He explained at the launch in Abuja the programme seeks to give applicants a convenient and secure experience while also reducing human interface with personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Once the processing steps are followed accurately, he added, the passport will be ready for collection within two weeks after the biometric capture.
Passport applicants are to submit their applications at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
Tunji-Ojo’s Media and Publicity Adviser Babatunde Alao said Nigerian applicants who want 32-page passports with a five-year validity will pay N25,000 and those who want 64-page passports with a 10-year validity will pay N70,000.
Foreign applicants who wish to apply for 32-page passports with a five-year validity will pay $130 and those who prefer 64-page passports with a 10-year validity will pay $230.
Below are five steps to enroll for your passport.
Step 1
Access the official website http://passport.immigration.gov.ng. Fill in your National Identity Number (NIN) to auto-fill your data from National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Step 2
Complete other data fields as required.
Step 3
Upload your passport photograph that meets (ICAO Standard) and other supporting documents.
Step 4
Walk into an Immigration Office for your biometric capture.
Step 5
Your passport is ready for collection within two weeks.
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Netizens pick “Passport Fixer” Tunji-Ojo as Tinubu’s best Minister
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.”
