The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has cleared 60,000 passport backlogs within four working days.
The action was in response to the directives given to the Service last week Thursday by the Minister of Interior to clear all pending passport applications.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed this Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, on a courtesy call.
Alao Babatunde, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, quoted Tunji-Ojo as saying the visitation was informed by her ministry’s need to collaborate with the interior ministry to drastically reduce human trafficking and other related challenges.
“As of this morning, I can tell you that about 60,000 passport backlogs have been cleared, specifically 59,906.
“On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, when I gave the 2-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 backlogs.
“We have recorded progress, and I maintain my word that those backlogs must be cleared.
“So, you can be assured that our ministry is ready to work with you on any solution we consider thoughtful and progressive like the ones you have shared.
“We are not just working on humanitarian endeavours as human trafficking; our NIS must help us change the story completely.
“When we came on board, the passport crisis was an embarrassment. And, we said: it cannot continue.
“We may only have to expand it to include the welfare of inmates in our correctional homes as they are Nigerians as well.
“Let’s see how they can benefit from your welfare packages. Of course, there is a lot we can achieve together,” Tunji-Ojo said.
