In a significant leap forward for digitalization, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is set to inaugurate the country’s first online passport application portal today in Abuja. The unveiling of this innovative platform marks a significant milestone in providing efficient and streamlined services to passport applicants.
The announcement was made during a demonstration session of the online portal, conducted in collaboration with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju.
Dr Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the online passport application platform is designed to cater to both international and Nigerian applicants. This digital transformation aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to modernize the passport application process.
Back in December, Minister Tunji-Ojo had announced the government’s determination to fully automate the passport application system, with the project reaching an impressive 99% completion rate. The automated application system promises to simplify the process by allowing applicants to upload passport photos and supporting documents electronically, reducing the need for in-person visits.
For Nigerian applicants seeking a 32-page passport with a five-year validity period, the fee will be N25,000. Those opting for a 64-page passport with a ten-year validity period will be required to pay N70,000. On the other hand, foreign applicants will be charged $130 for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity period, while a 64-page passport with a ten-year validity period will cost $230. Applicants can submit their requests through the online portal at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
The momentous launch event saw the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Stephen Matete, representative of the International Organisation for Migration; Joe Abah, Country Manager of Development Alternatives Incorporated; Tijjani Musa, Founder of the Kwandala Foundation, and David Afolayan, Co-founder of Technext.
