- Nigeria transitions to a single centralised passport production system.
- New centre can produce up to 5,000 passports daily.
- Passport delivery time targeted to reduce from two weeks to one week.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially ended passport production at various centres across the country, shifting to a single centralised system for the first time since its establishment in 1963.
This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during his inspection of the new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre located at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that this centralised approach is a significant milestone, marking a historic reform in the passport issuance process in Nigeria.
“For over six decades, Nigeria has never operated a central hub for passport production. Now, the system is fully operational and ready to enhance efficiency,” the minister stated.
He added that the old passport machines had a limited output, producing between 250 to 300 passports daily.
The new facility, however, can handle between 4,500 and 5,000 passports every day.
“This upgrade means NIS can now meet the country’s passport demand within just four to five hours of daily operations,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said, describing the system as a revolutionary step forward.
The minister also assured Nigerians of faster passport delivery timelines, noting, “We initially promised a two-week turnaround time, but we are now aiming to reduce it to just one week.”
He emphasised that automation and optimisation are key to fulfilling these promises and improving service delivery.
The centralisation aligns with international standards, ensuring consistency and strengthening the security and credibility of Nigerian travel documents globally.
“This development brings services closer to Nigerians while fostering a culture of efficiency and comprehensive reform within the passport system,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo added.
The move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, designed to increase the capacity of the NIS and transform the experience for all Nigerians seeking passports.
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