•Tunji Ojo
The federal government has stepped up efforts at enhancing Passports processing. It unveiled e-Passport facilities at some designated Nigerian Embassies in Europe, reports The Nation.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome yesterday.
The minister emphasized the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to citizens’ diplomacy and the enhancement of services to the Diaspora community.
Represented by the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, Tunji-Ojo announced the phased rollout of the enhanced e-Passport in Europe.
According to him the first phase would capture Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. It was inaugurated in Rome, while phase two is billed for inauguration by the end of the week.
In a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Aridegbe Adedotun, the minister said the e-Passport complies with all standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
He noted it positioned Nigeria as the first country in Africa and the fifth worldwide to embrace this technological achievement.
This accomplishment has attracted commendation from the international community, he added.
In her remarks, Adepoju said the enhanced e-Passport will significantly reduce processing delays in Europe.
She urged applicants to adhere strictly to application guidelines, including utilising the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring the synchronisation of their passport application data with their National Identification Number (NIN).
She added that the advanced travel document offers three categories: 32-page five-year validity category; 64-page five-year validity category and 64-page ten-year validity category (for adults only)
She listed NIS twitter (@nigimmigration); website (www.immigration.gov.ng) as the channel to interact with the virtual by applicants with complaints.
