Nigerian passport struggles end as automation takes flight January 8

The long wait for streamlined passport applications in Nigeria is ending.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that the much-anticipated online system will go live on January 8, 2024, marking a significant leap forward in efficiency and transparency.

This development follows months of anticipation after the Minister announced in December that a full automation project was nearing completion. Touted as “99% done” at the time, the system promised to eliminate the need for manual document submission and physical visits to immigration offices.

On Monday, after inspecting facilities with Comptroller General Wura-Ola Adepoju, Ojo reiterated the promise of a digital future. Nigerians, he declared, will be able to initiate and complete their entire passport application journey online, sans human interaction.

“We are good to go live,” the Minister announced. “The training process has commenced, and come January 8, the solution will be up and running. Nigerians can expect a smooth experience, reflecting President Buhari’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

The focus on automation extends beyond mere convenience. “We have minimized human contact in the passport issuance process,” Ojo emphasized. “This not only simplifies the experience for citizens but also enhances security by enabling swift detection of fraudulent applications and reducing potential bottlenecks.”

The new online system represents a significant win for Nigerians seeking passports. No longer will they contend with long queues, cumbersome paperwork, and opaque procedures. Instead, they can expect a faster, more transparent, and more secure path to obtaining travel documents.

The countdown is officially on, with the launch date set for January 8, 2024. This ambitious project holds the potential to transform the previously fraught passport application process into a seamless and user-friendly experience, reflecting the government’s commitment to digitalization and improved public service delivery.