The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched the automated passport application process yesterday to expedite passport acquisition by Nigerians.
The NIS, in a statement, said the launch followed a live demonstration session hosted by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiling the functionality of the new system to stakeholders from across the country on Saturday in Abuja.
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Speaking during the technical session, the minister noted that the new reform seeks to redefine how citizens enrol and procure international passports in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With an emphasis on convenience, reduced processing time, and an overall seamless experience, the minister assured the public that this new solution will enhance national security and data protection.
He said: “With the new solution, application, processing, review, and approval will all be done online. On knowledge transfer, we have trained our officers to assume the new roles.”.
“With what we have done now, we have reduced the process of requesting a passport to about six minutes. This does not require anybody to visit the immigration office, and it will reduce the pressure on the immigration officers.
“As I speak, we have made arrangements for power and internet service providers to ensure at least 99.9% uptime. By February, Nigerians in the diaspora can have this same experience.”
On identity theft, the minister disclosed that NIS has also achieved its objective of harmonizing data through its technical collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Speaking on the readiness of the system and the men of the service, the Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs. Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, stated that the new process was a result of the hard work and determination of the service.