Passport automation set for Jan 8, says Minister

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the commencement of the automation of the passport application process from January 8, 2024.

Nigerians will now have the convenience of applying for and completing their passport applications online, entirely eliminating the need for human contact.

“We are good to go live,” Tunji-Ojo said Monday in Abuja during an inspection of facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju.

“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 highlighted the government’s commitment to putting an end to the submission of fake documents for passport applications.

Additionally, he revealed the deployment of document verification officers across all local government areas in the country, further emphasising their role in scrutinising passport applications and enhancing the overall integrity of the process.