What was intended to ease and expedite passport applications for Nigerians is having the opposite effect, according to immigration officials and applicants. The newly introduced automated passport application system has instead created obstacles and processing delays according to THISDAY investigation.
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Among the problematic new requirements are letters of identification from local governments, now mandated even for passport renewals and minors. Many Nigerians returning from overseas are unable to obtain these letters within the limited time they are in the country.
The application fee for a 5-year passport has also quietly increased by N10, 000, from N25, 000 to N35, 000, without public notification. Applicants are now being asked for more stringent photo specifications as well, though immigration sources say submitted photos are not actually used in issued passports.
As a result of applicants struggling to meet these new demands, few are successfully completing the process, slowing down approvals to a crawl. “Nothing is working at the passport offices all over the federation,” said one Ikoyi passport office employee.
Just weeks ago, Interior Minister OluBunmi Tunji-Ojo had hailed the automated system as enhancing convenience and speed. Immigration spokespeople declined to comment on the reported implementation problems, citing policy sensitivity that could only be addressed by the Minister and Immigration leadership.
With frustrations mounting, the reality for Nigerians hoping to quickly renew or apply for passports is far different from the ease and efficiency promised by the new system. Immigration officials are urging reconsideration of requirements and procedures hampering rather than helping passport seekers.
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