Nigeria Immigration Service Clears Passport Backlog
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has cleared a significant backlog of 204,332 passport applications within 10 months, according to Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This achievement is part of the ministry’s reforms to enhance national security and improve service delivery.
Key Reforms:
- Introduced advanced border management technologies, including GIS and surveillance tools
- Overhauled passport issuance process to address long-standing issues
- Ensured seamless screening at international airports with e-gates
Impact:
- Eliminated passport application backlogs
- Enhanced access and security for Nigerians
- Made Nigerian passports more secure and respected worldwide
Ongoing Efforts:
- Safe storage and retrieval of sensitive information
- Efficiency enhancement in national security operations, identity management, and service delivery
Airport Upgrade:
- 41 e-gates installed at five international airports
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (8)
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (21)
- Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt airports (4 each)
These reforms demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving immigration services and national security.
