The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Tuesday announced the suspension of new applications for international passports nationwide to allow enough time to clear the backlog of applications.
This was contained in an internal memo to all Deputy Comptroller-Generals, Zonal Coordinators, Command Comptrollers and passports offices.
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The memo, dated May 17, 2021, was signed on behalf of the Controller-General, Mohammad Babandede, by Deputy Controller-General A.B Yarima.
“The directive, which comes into effect from today 17 May 2021, has become necessary to allow enough time to clear all backlog of applications sequel to the commencement of the new passport regime on 1 June, 2021.”
The memo directed that all backlog of applications be treated and passports booklets handed over to applicants between May 17 and 31, 2021.
Babandede told journalists on Tuesday that all payment portals had been closed till June 1, adding that a task force would be sent to passport offices to clear the backlog.
He said deputy comptrollers had been deployed to all passport centres to monitor the process and enforce compliance to the directive.
He said new applications would be granted in six weeks from the time of application.
