FG Introduces Temporary Passports For Nigerians Abroad

The Federal Government has inaugurated an electronic temporary passport to replace the emergency travel certificate for effective identity management.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said this in Abuja. He said that the temporary passport was an electronic document with all the features of a regular passport.

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According to Aregbesola, the difference is that it is temporary and valid for one trip. At the point of entry, it will be retrieved.

“The temporary passport is ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) compliant and is valid for only 30 days.

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“This new document is not a replacement for the Nigerian passport. It will only serve a temporary purpose in the case of loss or misplacement of the Nigerian passport by a Nigerian abroad.

“In the light of the present security challenges faced by the country, the temporary passport will no doubt help to checkmate the excess of criminal elements that takes advantage of the ETC to infiltrate the country,” he said.

The minister further assured Nigerians having difficulties with obtaining the Nigerian passport that the challenge would soon end. (NAN)

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