Nigeria Immigration Service to Launch Automated Passport Application System on March 8
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to unveil its fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024. This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who highlighted that the new system would provide a seamless experience for applicants, including Nigerians in the diaspora.
Speaking at the Diaspora Virtual Lecture Series, Tunji-Ojo expressed empathy for Nigerians abroad who have had to travel with their families to acquire international passports. He emphasized the importance of integrating technology into passport acquisition processes, stating that it was time for technology to take its rightful place.
The minister explained that the delay in launching the automated system was to address the major concern of Nigerians in the diaspora, which is the need for a contactless application process. The new system will incorporate contactless biometrics, eliminating the need for physical presence during the passport application process.
The complete automation of passport applications was initially scheduled to commence on January 8, 2024, according to Tunji-Ojo’s earlier announcement in December 2023. However, the launch was delayed to ensure that the system meets the requirements of Nigerians, particularly those living outside the country.
Tunji-Ojo reassured Nigerians that the fully automated passport application system would be operational on March 8, fulfilling the commitment to provide a more efficient and convenient passport application process.
TheGuardian News
