The automation of the passport application process will commence on January 8, 2024, the ministry of interior has disclosed.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during an inspection of the facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The decision to automate the passport application process reflects a strategic step by the Nigerian government to streamline and enhance the efficiency of immigration services. The current manual application process has often been criticized for its time-consuming nature and potential bureaucratic hurdles. With the integration of technology, the aim is to simplify the application procedure, reduce processing times, and provide a more user-friendly experience for applicants.
During his visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service facilities, Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo highlighted the pivotal details of the upcoming passport application automation. The announcement included key information on the launch date, technological advancements, and the anticipated impact on the overall application process.
According to him, Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact.
“We are good to go live,” Tunji-Ojo said during the inspection alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the new automated system would leverage cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the passport application process. This is expected to involve online application forms, digital document submission, and real-time tracking mechanisms to keep applicants informed about the status of their applications.
He noted that the automation of passport processing was in line the renewed hope agenda of president Bola Tinubu.
“We are starting the training and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.
“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum,” the minister said, adding that the new initiative will enhance the security architecture of the country as well as the comfort and convenience of Nigerians.
Tunji-Ojo said the government wants to bring an end to the era of people bringing fake documents for passport application, even as he announced that the Service now have document verification officers across all local government areas in the country to scrutinise passport applications in the country
The impending launch of automated passport applications marks a significant milestone in the modernization efforts of the Nigerian government. Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s announcement provides a clear roadmap for the initiation of this transformative process on January 8, 2024. As the nation looks forward to a more streamlined and accessible passport application system, the positive impact on citizens’ experiences and the overall efficiency of immigration services is eagerly anticipated. The move towards automation reflects a commitment to embracing technology for the betterment of public services, and its success will likely set a precedent for future advancements in government processes in Nigeria.
