In response to a petition by Nigerians in the Diaspora, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deploy new passport printers to consulates in Atlanta and New York, USA.
This action follows concerns raised by Nigerians facing challenges with accessing consular services in these cities.
Minister’s Immediate Response
A statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, confirmed the directive:
“To address this issue, the minister has approved and directed the NIS to immediately deploy new printers to the passport offices in both cities. These printers are ready for installation.”
This short-term solution aims to alleviate the current difficulties, while a long-term plan for a streamlined passport regime is underway.
Long-Term Plans for Efficiency
The minister also highlighted upcoming innovations to improve passport services, including:
- Activation of the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, set to commence in the coming weeks.
- Expansion of the contactless application process to more countries, building on its recent launch in Canada.
- End-to-end automation of the passport application process.
Commitment to Innovation and Security
The ministry assured Nigerians of its commitment to delivering services that prioritize innovation and convenience, while also enhancing national security. According to the statement:
“The government of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to ensuring Nigerians experience #RenewedHope, with innovation and convenience.”
With these measures, the Ministry of Interior is working to transform consular services for Nigerians abroad, ensuring faster and more efficient passport issuance.
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