112,351 Uncollected Passports Across Nigeria, Says Immigration Boss

The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Wura-Ola Adepoju, has revealed that a significant backlog of uncollected passports exists across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to her, as of October 5, a staggering total of 112,351 passport booklets had not been retrieved by applicants. During a press briefing at the service headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Adepoju addressed the concerning issue and shared updates on the passport distribution. She noted that the NIS had successfully cleared all 204,332 passport applications that had accumulated over time and this accomplishment is following a two-week deadline set by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the service to address the backlog. Despite this achievement, Mrs. Adepoju emphasized that only 91,981 passport booklets had been collected by applicants thus far. She stressed the importance of prompt collection, as these travel documents are essential for various purposes, including international travel. In light of the remaining uncollected passports, the NIS chief urged applicants to visit their respective application centres to retrieve their passports. The backlog not only poses administrative challenges but also underscores the significance of ensuring that applicants receive their passports promptly to facilitate their travel plans and related activities.

NIS boss launches Visa on Arrival Lounge, declares state of emergency on passport

The Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Adepoju, on Friday, launched a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge in Lagos, whilst announcing a state of emergency on Passport issuance across the country. Adepoju said during her working visit to Lagos where she said there was an urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining international passports. A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Mr Tony Akuneme, said that the acting CGI inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. The NIS boss used the event to announce a comprehensive plan of action to tackle the issues effectively. She said that the facility was a demonstration of the NIS commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria. According to her, the state of emergency declaration on Passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolve 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, “she said. Adepoju directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units and personnel, including Missions abroad, to eliminate all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly. “NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application and issuance process. “We urge all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the service as it takes decisive steps to address the Passport crisis,” she said. Adepoju assured the public that the efforts was to ensure that every eligible Nigerian who required a Passport could obtain one in a timely manner. Adepoju also paid an unscheduled visit to Alausa Passport office to assess the situation firsthand. In her address, Ag. CGI emphasised the necessity to dismantle all man-made bottlenecks impeding Passport application process. She stressed that the NIS management was fully committed to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure more efficient and streamlined service delivery. Also, Adepoju, who recognised the importance of collaboration and community engagement, embarked on a grassroots sensitisation initiative targeting traditional rulers. She visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, during which she sought the cooperation of traditional rulers nationwide in NIS activities, including the prevention of human trafficking.