The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revealed on Tuesday that it issued a staggering 2,141,300 passports in the year 2023.
The Controller-General of NIS, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, disclosed this information during a diaspora virtual lecture series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), with the theme, “New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora Confirmation.”
The CGI attributed this surge in passport applications to the JAPA syndrome, which she said led to an unprecedented increase in demand. In 2021, 1.3 million passports were issued, marking a significant increase to 1.5 million in 2022. However, in 2023, the numbers skyrocketed with over 2 million passports issued, reflecting a 100% increase.
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Adepoju highlighted the positive impact of the automation of the passport process, which has significantly reduced human interface with immigration officers. Since the automation went live last month, over 100,000 online applications were received, and more than 80% were processed without issues.
The CGI emphasized that these reforms are essential not only for efficiency but also to alleviate pressure on NIS facilities across the country, where applicants, including children and vulnerable individuals, often wait for extended periods.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that they would no longer face challenges in acquiring their passports. He emphasized that this marks a new era of renewed hope, with improved service delivery for all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
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Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, commended the Minister and the CGI for achieving significant milestones in a short period. The diaspora virtual lecture aimed to enlighten Nigerians abroad about the automation of the passport process and address any concerns they might have.
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