The Federal Government has announced a major breakthrough in passport issuance, promising that Nigerians will now receive their passports within one week of application.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this disclosure at the Ministry’s mid-tenure performance retreat in Abuja. He explained that the era of long delays and backlogs in the passport system was over, thanks to sweeping reforms in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
“Our target is clear, within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport. Not just fast delivery, but delivery with integrity,” the minister said.
Backlog Wiped Out, Extortion Curbed
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that a six-month backlog of applications was cleared in just two and a half weeks, a feat he described as unprecedented. According to him, Nigerians no longer need to pay exorbitant amounts, sometimes as high as ₦200,000 to obtain urgent passports.
“That era is gone. Even in my own household, we applied and got the passport without any preferential treatment,” he added, stressing that the system now works for everyone.
Centralized Facility for Efficiency
The minister also revealed the launch of Africa’s largest Centralized Passport Personalization Centre, which has drastically boosted efficiency. Once applicants complete enrolment, background checks and vetting are finalized in under 24 hours, paving the way for printing and prompt delivery.
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“Printing capacity is no longer our problem. With this system, integrity and speed go hand in hand,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Anti-Corruption Safeguards
To strengthen transparency, the discretionary powers of Passport Control Officers (PCOs) have been removed. This means no officer can delay or fast-track applications based on personal influence, ensuring fairness for all Nigerians.
Wider Interior Reforms
Beyond passports, the Ministry of Interior is also pursuing broader reforms. Plans are underway to license and regulate private security companies, empower private firefighting organizations, and bring private participation into emergency services, all aimed at enhancing national security and service delivery.
Why This Matters
For Nigerians, this new policy means:
Faster Access: No more months-long waits for passports.
Fairness: No need to pay bribes or know someone “in the system.”
Credibility: A process that reflects Nigeria’s image as a modern and efficient nation.
With these reforms, the Federal Government has signaled a decisive shift in public service delivery, one that many Nigerians hope will restore confidence in the country’s institutions.
