NIS Issued 1.8m Passports In 2022 – CG
By Anthony Okechukwu
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isah Jere Idris, has disclosed that the organisation issued 1.8 million passport booklets in 2022,
Speaking during the commissioning of Daura passport front office on Thursday, Jere said the figure doubled what was issued in the preceding year.
He said efforts are ongoing to ensure more front offices are opened nationwide to reduce traffic.
“Just yesterday, we commissioned the passport office in Ilesha. Daura has joined Alimosho in Lagos, Zaria in Kaduna, as the front offices to be situated outside state capitals.
“With the roll out of this enhanced travel document today, it is certain that delays in processing passports will be taken care of, provided applicants abide strictly with the application guidelines including ensuring that they use the online application and payment platform.
“It is also essential to ensure that prospective passport applicants synchronise the data in their passport application with the information in their National Identification Number (NIN)”, he said.
While unveiling an enhanced e-passport facility at Ilesa, Osun State, Jere said the newly introduced enhanced e-passport in the country, with its more sophisticated features, is one of the most secure passports in the world.
“It is of polycarbonate data page and has additional 25 security features. The polycarbonate data page is also water-resistant. It is the latest passport technology and very durable. It is difficult to forge as the improved security features will make any attempt not only impossible but easily noticeable.
“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to migrate to this type of Passport,” he added and assured that with the new development, instances of delays in processing Passports in Nigeria would be reduced to its barest minimum”, he said.
THE NUMBERS recalls that the Federal Government had in January this year projected a target of 2 million passports by May 29, 2023.
The Minister of Interiors, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who gave the projection few months ago said it was part of measures to tackle the challenge of shortages in passport issuance.
Recall that the NIS in the recent past has witnessed landmark reforms in its visa policy, Automated Passport issuance process which has eliminated touts and racketeers in Passport administration, the introduction of E-border Management, MIDAS and the commencement of E-Passport across Passport Control Offices and Diplomatic Missions.
The Federal Government’s commitment to improving passport and immigration services has led to the implementation of several reforms including the rollout of an enhanced e-Passport with a Polycarbonate Data Page and 25 security features, an improved online passport application process and improved secured payment solutions that eliminate touting.
