The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has informed Nigerians that “decisive steps” will be taken to address the country’s shortage of passport booklets.
According to Tony Akuneme, NIS spokesperson, Caroline Adepoju, the agency’s acting comptroller general, said Nigerians would soon be able to obtain passports in “a timely manner.”
Adepoju promised to remove “all man-made bottlenecks” that were driving the passport backlog.
She charged all agency sections with working “tirelessly” to bridge the gap and alleviate Nigerians’ concerns.
“The Ag. CGI’s visit to Lagos encompassed significant events that underscored the gravity of the Passport crisis,” the statement reads.
“She inaugurated a state-of-the-art visa-on-arrival lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.
” Following this, she paid an unscheduled visit to the Alausa passport office to assess the situation firsthand.
“In her address, Ag. CGI Adepoju emphasised the necessity to dismantle all man-made bottlenecks that impede the passport application process.
“She further stressed that the NIS top management is fully committed to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure more efficient and streamlined service delivery.
“The state of emergency declaration on passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolving the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports.
“It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
“Ag. CGI Adepoju had earlier directed all passport control officers, relevant units and personnel within the NIS, including our missions abroad, to work tirelessly towards eliminating all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing passports promptly.
” The NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the passport application and issuance process.
“The Ag. CGI urges all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the NIS as it takes decisive steps to address the passport crisis. She assures the public that efforts are being made to ensure that every eligible Nigerian who requires a passport can obtain one in a timely manner.”
