The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the automation of passport applications in Nigeria is nearing completion, with a launch expected next week. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo stated that the automation process is 99% complete, and testing has been conducted, paving the way for the system to go live in the coming week.
The minister emphasized that the automation would simplify the passport application process for Nigerians. Once live, applicants will be able to fill forms online, make payments online, and submit necessary details through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Only the biometric capture process will require in-person attendance, reducing the overall time spent at the passport office.
Tunji-Ojo had previously highlighted the need for reforms to streamline the passport application process, expressing the ministry’s commitment to making the procedure more convenient for Nigerians. The anticipated automation aims to eliminate the cumbersome and time-consuming aspects of enrollment, allowing individuals to submit most details from the comfort of their homes.
The minister also provided an update on the backlog of international passports, stating that 204,322 passports are now ready for collection out of the over 300,000 backlog he inherited upon assuming office. The reforms and automation efforts align with the government’s commitment to providing efficient and accessible public services to its citizens.
