In a significant development, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has officially announced that the long-anticipated passport application automation process will kick off on January 8, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize the way Nigerians apply for passports, offering a seamless online experience without the need for direct human contact.
The minister shared this exciting news during an inspection of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) facilities in Abuja, where he highlighted the commencement of training sessions leading up to the live launch of the automation system. Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in the readiness of the ministry, stating, “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. We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum.”
Notably, the automation process is not only geared towards enhancing user experience but also aims to bolster the security architecture of the country. The minister emphasized that the new system will facilitate the prompt detection of fake passport applications, contributing to a more robust and efficient process while minimizing bottlenecks.
One key aspect of the initiative is the government’s commitment to eradicating the use of fraudulent documents in passport applications. Tunji-Ojo disclosed plans to deploy document verification officers in every local government area, ensuring a comprehensive scrutiny of passport applications on a nationwide scale. This strategic move underscores the administration’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of the passport issuance process and eliminating potential security risks associated with forged documents.
Providing context to this significant development, the Minister of Interior had previously revealed the government’s efforts towards achieving a fully automated passport application system. In a statement made last month, Tunji-Ojo stated that the automated application system was “99% done,” with the process incorporating the uploading of passport photos and supporting documents. “In fact, we’ve done the testing, and we should be going live in the next one week or thereabout. As I said, that will ensure that Nigerians, all they need to do in an immigration centre, a passport centre, is just biometrics, just to take your fingerprints, that’s all,” he explained.
This technological leap marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to modernizing administrative processes and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. As the January 8 launch date approaches, Nigerians eagerly anticipate a more streamlined and secure passport application experience, aligned with the nation’s aspirations for progress and efficiency in governance. Infostride News remains at the forefront of delivering timely updates on this transformative development, keeping the public informed and engaged in the evolving landscape of government services.
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