The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has officially confirmed that the automation process for passport applications will commence on January 8, 2024. This announcement follows the minister’s previous statement in December, where he revealed the Federal Government’s efforts to implement a fully automated system for passport applications in Nigeria.
During the inspection of facilities at the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja on Monday, alongside the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, Minister Tunji-Ojo reiterated that Nigerians will be able to apply for and complete their passport application processes online without the need for human contact.
The minister emphasized that the ministry has initiated the training process, leading to the live launch of the automated system. He stated, “We are good to go live. We are starting the training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.”
Highlighting the reduced human contact in the passport acquisition process, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance the country’s security architecture, enabling swift detection of fake passport applications and minimizing bottlenecks.
