Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, declared that the automated passport application procedure would start on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Along with Wura-Ola Adepoju, the Comptroller General of the Service, the Minister provided this information on Monday during an assessment of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) facilities in Abuja.
Minister Tunji-Ojo previously stated in a statement released in December of last year that the Nigerian Government is committed to putting in place an all-encompassing automated system for passport applications nationwide.
Speaking on Monday, Tunji-Ojo said Nigerians would be able to submit and finish the passport application process starting on January 8 without having to contact a human. This procedure will include uploading passport images and supporting documentation online.
According to him, the ministry has started the training process that would culminate in the automation’s live deployment.
“We are good to go live. We are starting the training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel and a sweet experience based on the renewed hope of Mr President.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the move not only represents a huge improvement to the nation’s security architecture but also a step towards efficiency.
He added that the service has placed document verification officers in every local government area in the nation to examine passport applications, and that the automated system is anticipated to accelerate the identification of fraudulent passport applications, thereby bolstering the nation’s security measures.
