It is unjust to ask married women to travel to Abuja for a change of passport data – Interior Minister

In a recent address to members of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ABAT Media Centre and social media influencers, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo raised strong objections against the convoluted process endured by Nigerian women, particularly those who alter their names due to marriage, when seeking passport data modifications.

The Minister dubbed the practice “absurd,” emphasizing the unnecessary hardship imposed on these individuals who have to travel significant distances to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja for a mere name change.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, visibly discontented, challenged the rationale behind requiring individuals, especially women, to make the arduous journey to Abuja, questioning the efficiency of the immigration personnel stationed there compared to their counterparts in various passport offices nationwide.

Responding to these concerns, the Minister unveiled forthcoming passport reforms set to revolutionize the system. Effective March, a new contactless biometric enrollment system will be introduced, enabling Nigerians to update passport information from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical presence at the NIS headquarters.

Asserting the imperative of ensuring secure borders for the nation, Dr. Tunji-Ojo underscored the need to modernize the passport issuance process, making it more streamlined and accessible to align with the administration’s #RenewedHope agenda.

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Additionally, the Minister announced upcoming forums designed to unveil the ministry’s comprehensive agenda for 2024. He stressed the crucial role of knowledge transfer and advanced training for passport officers to enhance service quality.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the Tinubu administration, reaffirming his commitment to serving the nation with unwavering dedication. He stressed the fundamental need for absolute commitment in public service, emphasizing that Nigeria deserves nothing less than complete devotion.

Babatunde Alao, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, lauded Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s efforts in actualizing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended his representation of Nigerian youth in governmental matters.