The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, yesterday launched an automated passport application process for Nigerians.
This is just as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed excitement, saying the automation of the portal would improve the process of passport application and eliminate fraud in the process.
The minister attributed the project to the visionary leadership and support provided by President Bola Tinubu.
He said the automation would drastically reduce contacts between applicants and immigration officers; and revolutionise the process of obtaining passports.
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He said it would speed up the entire process of obtaining a new passport by Nigerians in any part of the world.
“This initiative is sure to bring relief to all Nigerians who desire to obtain the nation’s passport. The portal has undoubtedly ended the long waiting period for passport issuance. It has also ended the cycle of daily wastage of man-hours by passport applicants,” said Tunji-Ojo.
He said the process, which would involve uploading passport photos and supporting documents online would reduce human interfaces and eliminate corrupt practices.
He said Nigerian applicants who want 32-page passports with five-year validity would pay N25,000; while those who want 64-page passports with a 10-year validity would pay N70,000.
Foreign applicants, who wish to apply for passports with a five-year validity period and 32 pages, would pay $130; while those who prefer passports with a 10-year validity period and 64 pages would pay $230.
NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, in a statement, described the automation as a game-changer.
He said, “This is a game-changer that will revolutionise the entire process, making it more efficient and convenient for everyone involved. It’s a fantastic step forward in embracing technology and improving the experience for passport applicants.”
He said by automating the passport registration process, the government had shown a commitment to streamlining bureaucratic procedures and making them more user-friendly.
Afeez said the initiative demonstrated a forward-thinking approach that would “Undoubtedly benefit countless individuals, including frequent travellers, business professionals, and tourists.”
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