Nigeria is preparing to implement an automated passport application process that would allow citizens apply for and complete their passport applications online without the need for human interaction.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo declared that the automated 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 during an inspection of facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju.
The programme intends to reduce human interface in the passport application process, giving applicants a convenient and secure experience.
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Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to putting a stop to the use of forged documents in passport applications.
“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of the new system in strengthening the country’s security architecture and safeguarding Nigerian residents’ comfort and convenience.
The ministrr said the Nigeria Immigration Service 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.
