Automation processes 32,462 passport applications, queries 1,438
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 32,462 passport applications have been processed by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) since the introduction of automation two weeks ago, NIS Comptroller General Caroline Adepoju has disclosed.
Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo launched the automated system on January 8 to expedite passport application process and eliminate or reduce human contact that has corrupted the system for years.
Automation includes uploading a passport photograph and supporting documents.
“I have here the data of the passport applications that have been successfully processed since the introduction of the new process from 8th January 2024. About 32, 462 persons have successfully applied to upload their documents and make payments,”Adepoju said during her inspection of NIS facilities on Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Of this number, 16,113 applications have been approved for biometric capture and production, 11,505 applicants await approval, while 3,400 applicants have made the payment but have yet to book an appointment.
These people did not complete the process, they should go back and complete the process, while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons, possibly the applicants did not upload their documents properly which is one of the major problems at the moment.
“We are going to help Nigerians achieve this process that has come to stay. We will send back such an application; all they need do is complete it and pay adequate attention to the instructions, and submit it again for approval.”
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NIS seeks public cooperation to eliminate passport hurdles
Adepoju urged Nigerians to cooperate with the NIS to eliminate hurdles in passport application and ensure every process is done perfectly, per The Nation.
“We are determined to ensure we eradicate difficulties that are associated with passport processing in Nigeria.
“As a matter of fact, this process is not entirely new, the only thing that we have introduced is uploading of supporting documents and we believe in due time, everything will be perfected.
“All we want Nigerians to do is be patient and pay adequate attention to the instructions given online during the process.
“We want to assure you that the process is simple once it is followed as specified. It will be discovered that it is a much easier process to save time and cost for applicants.
“We are working hard to perfect it so that the processing can be smooth and steady for every Nigerian.
“We are ensuring that we are going to surmount every challenge in the new passport automation process that has come to stay in Nigeria, it will enable Nigerian applicants at home and abroad to find passport processing easier and more seamless.
“I want to use this opportunity to plead with Nigerians to please bear with us. What we have discovered recently from our system is that applicants have not mastered the act of uploading valid documents at the appropriate channels as specified. There is a need to pay enough attention to the process.
“For example, we discovered that some applicants uploaded their birth certificate in the category of NIN number. In another category where applicants were supposed to upload passport photography, and some uploaded photograph where their chin or head was not properly shown.
“So when applicants understand the basic things of the process, it will be seamless and that is the only hitch in the whole process for now but we will continue to enlighten the public. We will also continue to ensure the best for every Nigerian by assisting at the appropriate time.”
Adepolu also announced the NIS is working to end storage of passports for collection.
“The era of storing applicant passports in stores will soon become a thing of the past, the Nigerian Immigration Service is working with some service providers to ensure that passports that are produced are sent to the applicant’s mailing address.”
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