Nigeria to Commence Local Production of International Passports

By Iyojo Ameh

In a bid to streamline passport acquisition processes and enhance national security, the Nigerian government has announced plans to commence the local production of international passports within the country.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this initiative via a statement posted on his official social media handle on Wednesday night.

Tunji-Ojo revealed that discussions have been held with a local technology firm, which presented a proposal for the domestic production of international passports.

“The meeting with the indigenous technology company marks a significant step towards localizing our international passport production,” stated Tunji-Ojo.

The move comes as a response to the delays experienced by applicants in acquiring passports produced outside the country. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had earlier introduced a fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024, aiming to streamline the process for both local and diaspora applicants.

Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo convened a brainstorming session with technical partners, senior immigration officers, and ministry officials to explore ways to revolutionize the visa application process. The objective is to simplify procedures, reduce stress, and improve accessibility through automation, particularly for short-stay visitors.

Expressing optimism about the initiative’s impact on Nigeria’s tourism sector, Tunji-Ojo emphasized its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming environment for tourists interested in exploring Nigeria’s vibrant culture and rich artistic heritage.