The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the implementation of an automated passport application process aimed at alleviating the stress and delays faced by Nigerians during passport applications.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, NIS Acting Comptroller General, Caroline Adepoju, highlighted the service’s commitment to eliminate human interaction in the passport application process.
Adepoju emphasized that the NIS has witnessed an unprecedented surge in passport applications over the past two years and is determined to meet the expectations of the public. To achieve this, the NIS has made passport applications available online and is actively encouraging applicants to use the digital platform to avoid dealing with intermediaries or touts.
While acknowledging that security measures are essential for passport issuance, Adepoju urged Nigerians to plan ahead. She advised passport renewal applicants to begin the process six months before their current passport expires. Additionally, for fresh applicants, she encouraged early application, emphasizing that waiting until the last moment can lead to unnecessary delays.
Adepoju shed light on the time frames for obtaining passports, stating that fresh applications take approximately six weeks to process, while renewals can be completed in three weeks. Considering the current crowds at passport offices, the NIS is exploring solutions to streamline the renewal process further. The agency is working towards enabling online passport renewals for applicants whose data is already on record, thereby reducing the number of in-person visits and optimizing efficiency.
With this technological advancement, the NIS aims to enhance the passport application experience for Nigerians, making it more convenient and expedient.