Femi Salako, Media Consultant to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said empowering local manufacturers to produce international passports would stimulate economic development, create job opportunities, and enhance technological capabilities within the country.
He stated this in a statement on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Tunji-Ojo in a post via X, announced that Nigeria has rolled out plans to begin the local production of international passports in the country.
Reacting to the development, Salako said with domestic companies handling the manufacturing process, “There is potential for improved quality control and faster turnaround times, ultimately benefiting Nigerian citizens applying for passports.”
The statement read in part: “The decision to engage local companies in the production process aligns with the administration’s vision of promoting indigenous businesses and reducing dependence on foreign entities.
“By empowering local manufacturers, the government seeks to stimulate economic development, create job opportunities, and enhance technological capabilities within the country.
“The move is expected to have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy. By transitioning passport production to local companies, the government can redirect funds that would have otherwise been spent abroad back into the domestic economy. This will contribute to the growth of local industries and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a self-sufficient nation.