Online passport application to start on January 8, says minister
Nigerians will soon be able to apply for their passports online without any physical contact, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The minister confirmed on Monday that the passport application automation process will be operational from January 8, 2024.
He made this announcement during an inspection of the Nigeria Immigration Service facilities in Abuja, with the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju.
The minister had earlier revealed in December that the Federal Government was working on a full automation system of passport application in the country.
He had said that the automated application system was “99% done,” and that it would involve uploading passport photos and supporting documents.
On Monday, he said that the ministry has started the training process that will lead to the live launch of the automation.
He said, “We are good to go live. We are starting the training and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.
“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum.”
He also said that the initiative will enhance the security of the country, by enabling the swift detection of fake passport applications and eliminating bottlenecks.
