Automation of passport application begins January 8 – Interior Minister

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared that the automated passport application process will commence operations on January 8, 2024.

In December 2023, the minister announced that the Federal Government was actively working towards implementing a comprehensive automation system for passport applications in the country.

At the time, the minister stated that the automated application system was ’99 percent complete,’ emphasizing that the process would involve uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

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While inspecting the facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo, accompanied by the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, mentioned on Monday that the automation would enable Nigerians to apply for and complete their passport application process online, eliminating the need for human contact.

He emphasised that the ministry has initiated training processes, paving the way for the live launch of automation.

The minister highlighted that this initiative aims to enhance the country’s security architecture, enabling swift detection of counterfeit passport applications and alleviating bottlenecks.

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Below are pictures from the inspection of the facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja.