The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) stated that the passport application process will be automated to lessen the stress and delays Nigerians face when applying for international passports.
it is automating the passport application process to lessen the stress and delays that Nigerians face while applying for passports.
Caroline Adepoju, NIS Acting Comptroller General, said on Channels Television’s program on Thursday that the Service is attempting to minimize human interface in the passport application process.
“One thing Nigerians know about the Nigeria Immigration Service is the issuance of the Nigerian passport and we know the number of Nigerians that have applied for passports in the past two years have been very high and unprecedented,” Adepoju said.
“But be that as it may, the service is working hard to ensure that we meet the expectations of Nigerians. Number one, we are automating our passport application process; we are trying to ensure that we cut out human interface.
“Our applications are available online and we are trying to sensitise our applicants that they should go online for these applications to avoid patronising louts,” Adepoju said.
Timeline for new applicants and renewals
She then reminded Nigerians that because the passport is a security document, it will take some time before they are issued, adding that there are a number of steps involved, such as carrying out security checks and address verification, among others.
Adepoju recommended Nigerians to begin passport renewal applications six months before the expiration date, noting that new applicants do not need to wait till they require the passport to begin application.
“So, I try as much as possible to let people know that if you are renewing your passport, don’t wait until it is completely expired. You can start your application process when you have six months validity on it.
“Then for fresh applicants, they don’t have to wait until the very last moment when they need the passport,” she said.
According to Adepoju, a new application takes six weeks to complete, while a renewal takes three weeks.
She stated that, given the current crowding at passport offices, the Service is working to ensure that applicants for passport renewal do not need to come to the offices because their data has already been captured.
“Presently, considering the crowds in our passport offices, I’m trying to put up a memo to the appropriate quarters that something should be done about renewal as it is done in other climes.
“Once we have your data, we should be able to renew your passport by online application without necessarily going into the passport offices; that will reduce the crowd.
“So, visiting passport office will be left to only fresh applicants who need their data to be captured,” Adepoju stated.
