Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, Acting Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has declared a state of emergency on international passport processing and issuance.
She also moved to address multifaceted challenges around the issuance of critical documents in the country.
The Ag. CG while speaking during an unscheduled visit to Alausa Passport office in Lagos State, emphasised the need to dismantle all man-made bottlenecks that impede passport application process across the country.
Adepoju maintained that the NIS top management is fully committed to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure a more efficient and streamlined service delivery in the sector and ease challenges faced by Nigerians at home and in diaspora.
The Ag. CG used the opportunity of the visit on Thursday to inaugurate a state-of-the-art Visa -on -Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.
A statement signed by Tony Akuneme, CIS in charge of Media and Publicity, to the CGI also seized the opportunity to canvas the collaboration of traditional rulers and community engagement in dealing with human trafficking, with a courtesy call on the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
She sought the support and cooperation of traditional institutions in raising awareness about the menace of human trafficking and initiating joint efforts to combat it.
“The state of emergency declaration on passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolving the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports. It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.” the statement said.
The Ag. CGI had earlier directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units and personnel within the NIS including our Missions abroad, to work tirelessly towards eliminating all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly.
“The NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application and issuance process.”
The Ag. CGI urges all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the NIS as it takes decisive steps to address the passport crisis, assuring that every eligible Nigerian who requires a passport can obtain one in a timely manner.
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