January 8, 2024 has been set as the day when Nigeria’s automated passport application process would be implemented.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Monday, saying the system would allow Nigerians to apply for and complete their passport applications online without human interaction.
Tunji-Ojo said the system would go live during a review of Nigeria Immigration Service facilities in Abuja on January 8, 2024.
“We’re ready to go live. We are starting training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a wonderful feeling, a sweet experience based on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope,” Tunji-Ojo said on Monday in Abuja.
The minister who inspected the facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, said the system will reduce human interface in the passport application process, giving applicants a convenient and secure experience.
Tunji-Ojo said the government is commitmted to end the use of forged documents in passport applications.
“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum,” he said, adding that new system will strengthen the country’s security architecture and safeguard Nigerian residents’ comfort and convenience.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the NIS had deployed document verification personnel across all local government areas in the country to improve document verification.
“This action attempts to thoroughly scrutinize passport applications and prevent the submission of fake documents.
“The automation of the passport application process is consistent with the government’s initiatives to use technology to improve service delivery and security,” he added.