FG to introduce online biometric system for passport issuance by 2024

The Ministry of Interior is set to create new passport processing and collection centres, especially for Nigerians in the Diaspora, to decongest the influx of people at the already established centres as well as fast-track service operations in the country and in the Diaspora.

The Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, made the policy statement at the just concluded 6th edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) in Abuja.He said: “Nigerians, especially Diaspora Nigerians, are to enjoy a seamless passport process and issuance system,” Tunji-Ojo pledged.

The Minister also informed us that a fully biometric immigration application process is available in most foreign countries to reduce human contact and facilitate passport collection.

According to him, “Nigerians at home and in the diaspora deserve the best. They don’t have to suffer or sweat to get the Nigerian passport.”.

The Interior Minister further explained that a team from the Ministry will kick-start supervision of the E8-Mandate in the UK as the first place on the assignment.

He further urged the public to report any unethical behaviour by officers in the Ministry and its respective parastatals as a deterrent to curbing the menace of corruption in the system and boosting effectiveness in service delivery to Nigerians.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo guaranteed that these changes would be effective in February 2024.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the Minister for his positive disposition towards the plight of Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly with passport issuance.

According to her, “The key thing is that we have to encourage our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to come home and invest by creating a conducive environment with these packages.”