In an effort to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the barest minimum, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, on Monday, launched the Automated Passport Application.
The Minister, during the launch, said the new system will allow users to upload passport images and other supporting documents from the comfort of their homes, adding that if fully automated, Nigerians will only visit immigration facilities for fingerprint or biometric purposes.
Here are some general tips for applying for passports using the new automated system.
1. Nigerian citizenship
2. Possession of the National Identification Number
3. Compliance with stringent ICAO standards for passport photographs
4. Essential breeder documents such as the birth certificate and local government certificate of indigeneship
Here is how to apply:
1. Accessing the Online Portal:
Begin by visiting https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/ and enter your NIN. The system will auto-fill your data from the National Identity Management Commission.
2. Completing Data Fields:
Fill in all necessary data fields as prompted, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
3. Document Submission:
Upload your passport photo and other required breeder documents securely onto the platform.
4. Immigration Office Visit:
Head to an immigration office for biometric capture. This step ensures the necessary physical verification and identity confirmation.
5. Passport Collection:
Expect your passport to be ready for collection within two weeks, marking the successful completion of the application process.
Also, for passport renewals, applicants must have their old passport number readily available for uploading during the application.
The ministry has stated that following these steps meticulously will facilitate an easy and efficient application process for a passport.
Back story
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had last week Tuesday announced that the automated system would go live during a review of Nigeria Immigration Service facilities in Abuja on January 8, 2024, to implement an automated passport application process that would allow citizens to apply for and complete their passport applications online without the need for human interaction.
“We’re ready to go live. We are starting training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a wonderful feeling, a sweet experience based on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope,” Tunji-Ojo said on Monday in Abuja during an inspection of facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised the government’s commitment to putting a stop to the use of forged documents in passport applications.
“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum,” he added.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of the new system in strengthening the country’s security architecture and safeguarding Nigerian residents’ comfort and convenience, adding that the Nigeria Immigration Service had deployed document verification personnel across all local government areas in the country to improve document verification.
“This action attempts to thoroughly scrutinise passport applications and prevent the submission of fake documents.
“The automation of the passport application process is consistent with the government’s initiatives to use technology to improve service delivery and security,” he added.