The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has provided insights into the Federal Government’s introduction of new conditions for obtaining or renewing international passports in Nigeria. Addressing the media in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that these measures aim to curb the unauthorized acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens and enhance the document’s security.
The minister highlighted that the international passport is a crucial security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens. The introduction of stricter requirements is a response to the discovery that non-Nigerians were exploiting loopholes in the previous system to acquire Nigerian passports illegally. This situation posed a significant risk to national security and the integrity of Nigerian citizenship.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the new prerequisites for passport acquisition or renewal include providing a citizenship certificate, date of birth certificate, and the National Identification Number (NIN). These requirements are critical in verifying an applicant’s true citizenship, thereby ensuring that passports are issued only to eligible Nigerian citizens.
The minister acknowledged the initial challenges faced by applicants under the new system but assured the public of an enhanced and more efficient process in the upcoming weeks. He stressed that the new system was not only about tightening security but also about simplifying the process for legitimate Nigerian citizens. The aim is to facilitate a speedy online application, production, and passport collection process.
Tunji-Ojo further explained that the new system is working effectively, with only a 4 percent hiccup rate, which he described as a significant improvement for a newly introduced system. He expressed confidence that within a few weeks, the passport issuance process would be near perfect.
The Interior Minister also addressed the issue of the recent change in passport fees, explaining that the cost of a five-year passport has been set at N35,000, half the price of the ten-year passport, which costs N70,000. This pricing strategy, according to the minister, reflects the government’s commitment to making services more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
The introduction of these new conditions is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen national security and streamline bureaucratic processes. The move comes at a time when the integrity of national documents and the efficiency of government services are under increasing scrutiny.
The reforms in the passport issuance process are expected to yield several benefits. First, they will enhance the security of Nigerian passports, making it more difficult for non-citizens to illegally acquire them. Second, by integrating systems like the NIN, the government can create a more reliable database of its citizens, which is crucial for planning and security purposes. Third, the streamlined process is expected to reduce the time and stress associated with obtaining or renewing a passport.
However, these changes are not without their challenges. The initial difficulties experienced by applicants point to the need for better public sensitization and smoother implementation of new policies. It is also essential that these changes do not become a barrier for legitimate citizens to access their right to a passport.
In conclusion, the new conditions for passport acquisition and renewal in Nigeria represent a critical step towards securing the nation’s borders and enhancing the credibility of its travel documents. While the implementation phase has presented challenges, the government’s commitment to refining the process and making it more user-friendly is a positive development. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of national security and global mobility, the integrity and efficiency of its passport services will remain a key area of focus.
