Nigeria Immigration Service Clears 60K Passport Backlog in 4 Days
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made significant progress in reducing the backlog of passport applications in the country. Within just four days, the NIS successfully cleared about 60,000 pending passport applications out of over 200,000. This achievement comes in response to the directive given by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, who ordered the clearance of all pending applications within two weeks.
The Minister expressed his commitment to resolving the passport crisis, which he described as an embarrassment to the country. He emphasized the need for immediate action and pledged to ensure the efficient handling of passport applications. Since the issuance of the ultimatum on September 6, the NIS has made substantial progress, reducing the backlog significantly.
In a statement by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Tunji-Ojo confirmed the clearance of 59,906 passport backlogs. He reaffirmed his determination to fulfill the directive and ensure that all pending applications are resolved within the given timeframe.
During a courtesy visit to his office, Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, discussed the importance of collaboration between their ministries to combat human trafficking. Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the significance of working together and lauded Edu for her initiative, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also proposed expanding the collaboration to address other societal challenges such as improving the welfare of veterans, reducing underemployment, and alleviating poverty.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the need to take a holistic approach and encouraged the NIS to play a key role in solving issues related to human trafficking. He suggested extending the focus to include the welfare of inmates in correctional centers as they are also Nigerian citizens. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the NIS can provide support and explore opportunities to enhance the welfare of these individuals.
The Minister emphasized the importance of breaking down silos in order to achieve the overarching goals set by the President. He expressed optimism about the potential impact that joint efforts could have on humanitarian endeavors, including combatting human trafficking and improving the lives of Nigerians.
Overall, the NIS has made significant strides in reducing the passport backlog, clearing almost 60,000 applications within four days. This accomplishment showcases the commitment of the Ministry of Interior to address the ongoing crisis and improve the efficiency of the passport application process. Moving forward, collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will provide an opportunity to address various challenges faced by Nigerian citizens, including human trafficking, veteran welfare, underemployment, and poverty reduction. With a united approach, the government aims to create a positive impact on the lives of its people.
