Immigration To Issue Passports In 774 LGAs

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has disclosed that applicants would soon begin to get Nigerian passports within 24 hours. The minister said passports would be issued in each of the 774 local government areas in the country. Issue Passports 

This is to reduce the problem of getting it.

Aregbesola stated this at the newly inaugurated Maitama Passport Express Centre.

He explained that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Passport Express Centre, Maitama Abuja was established in partnership with the private sector to make passport Issuance more convenient and quick.

Aregbesola stated that the opening of the centre signified the inauguration of the Passport Issuance decentralisation policy of the administration.

• See Also: FG Introduces Temporary Passports For Nigerians Abroad

Aregbesola said, “MPEC is in response to the yearnings of the general public for the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to devise additional ways that the passport Issuance process can be less stressful and more efficient. It is the future. The goal is to have a facility like this in every local government in the country.

“Every Nigerian has the right to a Nigerian passport. It is our responsibility to put it in the hands of anyone desirous of it. The passport should be available in maximum of 72 hours of a successful application. Where there are issues, the applicant must be notified within 48 hours.

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, said the inauguration of the express centre was a step towards solving the problems associated with passport administration.

• See Also: It’s Abnormal To Produce Nigerian Passports Abroad, Reps Tell NIS

“The centre will be non-judgmental and has provision for large comfortable VIP lounge, refreshment, queue management system and other necessary facilities to ensure comfort and speedy delivery of quality service.

“This centre will have a dedicated National Identity Number (NIN), registration unit and cater to the complete passport issuance process from enrolment to production for only fresh and re-issue passport applications

“Other categories of passport applications including change of data, replacement of damaged, lost/stolen passport and others shall continue to be processed at the service headquarters and other approved passport issuing authorities,” he added.

• See Also: Immigration Begins Issuance Of 10-Year-Valid Passport Issue