NIS: Combating Passport Touts and Enhancing Nigeria’s Image

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Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior, possesses a slender physique but harbors innovative ideas that have the potential to transform society. Since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, he has become a commendable representative for both the government and the people of Nigeria through his approachable demeanor and commitment to public service.

Although many Nigerians were not familiar with Tunji-Ojo before his ministerial role, his significant reforms in the processing and issuance of Nigerian passports have made his name widely recognized. Early last year, he promised to eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles that have historically plagued passport applicants. Initially, his commitment to dismantle the grip of passport touts and streamline access to this vital document was met with skepticism. Many believed it was unrealistic, given the entrenched power of middlemen within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

For years, passport touts monopolized the market, dictating fees and controlling access to passport booklets, while Nigerians faced long delays and frustrating experiences. Many citizens living abroad were often forced to return home, enduring prolonged waits to obtain their passports, which was both humiliating and distressing.

However, Tunji-Ojo’s interventions have begun to change this narrative, allowing citizens to apply for passports with much greater ease than before. The revamped process has brought relief and satisfaction to countless individuals who previously struggled to obtain or renew their passports.

Initially skeptical about the new online application system, I, too, doubted its effectiveness and warned friends to approach it with caution. Yet, I was proven wrong. The system has continued to operate smoothly for over a year, significantly diminishing the influence of passport touts.

On January 22, 2024, I decided to personally test the process at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, determined to see if the new system lived up to its promises. I filled out the online application, paid the required fee of N70,000, and received a scheduled date and time for my biometric capture.

Arriving at the NIS by 9:30 am, I found a small group of fellow applicants, each waiting for their turn. Upon check-in, I received my number, 127, and noted the orderly manner in which everyone was seated according to their assigned numbers. When the officials began calling numbers, I realized the chaos and corruption that once defined the process had been largely eradicated.

When my number was called, I was ushered into a room where two friendly officials took my biometrics. The entire experience was professional and efficient, and I left feeling optimistic about the changes underway.

I later learned that my passport was ready for collection just three days after my biometric capture. This seamless experience exceeded my expectations and left me pleasantly surprised.

To further validate the process, I encouraged a female journalist to apply for a ten-year passport. She arrived early for her appointment and was promptly attended to without any issues. Despite a few attempts by some officers to bypass the orderly process, one dedicated senior officer ensured that everyone was processed fairly.

Overall, the new passport issuance system has proven effective, allowing Nigerians to avoid exorbitant fees and lengthy waits. While some immigration staff appear resistant to these changes, citing a loss of their previous opportunities for corruption, Tunji-Ojo’s measures have substantially improved the application experience for the public and are helping to restore Nigeria’s reputation.

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