Government Slashes Nigerian Passport Processing Time to a Swift Two Weeks

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared a revolutionary change in passport processing times during a briefing in Abuja.

The directive given to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) aimed at eliminating the long-standing issue of extended waiting periods for passport issuance.

Minister Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the era of prolonged waits for passports is officially over. According to him, if an individual has applied and undergone the necessary capturing process, they can expect to receive their passport within a mere two weeks.

The minister acknowledged the effort of the Nigeria Immigration Service in successfully clearing a backlog of 204,332 passport applications.

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Despite the initial target of a two-week clearance period, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed regret that the process took three weeks. Nevertheless, he commended the dedication and hard work of NIS personnel in achieving this significant milestone.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in streamlining passport services and addressing the concerns of applicants who have endured extended waiting times in the past.

He stressed the notion that obtaining a passport is a fundamental right for every Nigerian, distinguishing it from visa procurement, which is considered a privilege.

The backlog was effectively addressed through heightened printing capacity and the unwavering dedication of NIS personnel working around the clock.

As of October 1, all 204,332 pending applications have been successfully processed, with 91,981 passports already in the hands of applicants and an additional 112,351 passports ready for collection.