Japa: Passport applications surge 50% as Nigerians seek greener pastures

A surge in passport applications has gripped Nigeria, reflecting a scramble for greener pastures amid ongoing economic woes.

Over 32,000 Nigerians applied for international passports within two weeks in January, a 50% jump compared to the previous period.

This surge follows the recent introduction of an automated passport application system aimed at streamlining the process and curbing rampant graft.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju, revealed the figures during a visit to Lagos passport offices. While highlighting the 50% approval rate, she acknowledged bottlenecks – over 11,000 applications await approval, and 3,400 applicants who paid haven’t booked appointments.

Notably, just 4% of applications were rejected due to applicant errors.

Adepoju emphasized the system’s promise to “ease the application process and reduce human interface,” a potential antidote to the notorious touting and extortion plaguing the old system.

However, some applicants remain skeptical, citing glitches and delays. The NIS assures 24/7 support to address queries and urges patience during the system’s refinement.

This surge for passports echoes deeper anxieties. The “Japa” phenomenon, a slang term for emigrating, signifies the yearning for opportunities beyond Nigeria’s current challenges.

While the automation offers a glimmer of hope for a smoother departure, the underlying issues demanding attention remain unaddressed.