The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the long-anticipated automation of the passport application process in Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a reality. Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the automated system would be operational within the next week, marking a significant advancement in streamlining the passport application experience for Nigerian citizens.
The minister initially made this commitment during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on October 4, where he promised that citizens would be able to utilize the automated feature starting December. In a subsequent appearance on the program this week, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the technology is now “99 percent done” and has undergone successful testing.
During the interview, Tunji-Ojo outlined the simplified process that citizens can expect, stating, “All they need to do in an immigration centre, a passport centre, is just biometrics, just to take your fingerprints, that’s all.” Moreover, he confirmed that the system would enable Nigerians to complete their passport applications from the comfort of their homes, including uploading passport photos and supporting documents.
While the minister expressed the intention to launch the automated system two weeks ago, he identified some errors during a presentation, delaying the implementation. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need for a careful balance between national security and convenience, ensuring that the enhancement of security does not compromise the comfort of applicants.
In a forward-looking statement, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to technological advancements in immigration services. He promised that by February 2024, all Nigerian international airports would be equipped with e-gates, eliminating the need for Nigerian travelers to interact with immigration officers unless they are persons of interest. This move signifies a strategic initiative to enhance both security measures and passenger convenience at the nation’s airports.