Testrun of automation launch: We’ll revolutionise passport application system — Minister

Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said the launch of the long-anticipated automation process today would revolutionise the passport application system in Nigeria.

He stated that the automation initiative previously announced in December, was now 99% complete.

According to him, this revolutionary system is designed to facilitate a seamless online application process, eliminating the need for physical contact during the passport application journey.

The minister, who recently inspected the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, facilities in Abuja, alongside Comptroller General Wura-Ola Adepoju, expressed optimism that Nigerians would now have the convenience of applying for and completing their passport application process entirely online.

“We are good to go live. We are starting the training, and today, 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,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

The training process, already underway, is a crucial step toward the full implementation of the automated system.

The minister, who expressed confidence in the reduction of human contact during passport acquisition, said it would ensure a smoother and more efficient process for applicants.

In addition, he stated that the initiative was not only a leap towards efficiency but also a significant enhancement to the country’s security architecture.

The automated system is expected to expedite the detection of fraudulent passport applications, thus bolstering the nation’s security measures.

Speaking on the application process, he said: “Yesterday, alongside the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, I held a demo session with key stakeholders and development partners, presenting the automated passport application process set to be launched today, January 8, 2024.

“During the session, we welcomed constructive criticism to enhance and improve the system.”

Notable participants included chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, represented by Stephen Matete; Country Manager at Development Alternatives Incorporated, Dr. Joe Abah; Founder of Kwandala Foundation Tijjani Musa and co-founder of Technext, David Afolayan.

Others are Director of Programmes at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development Akintunde Babatunde; Journalist and Community Development Practitioner Lanre Lasisi; Founder of Yiaga Africa Samson Itodo; Good Governance Advocate Adeyemi Adewoye; Mukhtar Modibbo representing Connected Development, CODE, among others