The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday directed its committee on interior to investigate the perennial delay in the issuance and renewal of the country’s international passport by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The Senate’s resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the “Delay in issuance, renewal of Nigeria international passport by the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS),” at plenary.
The sponsor of the motion, Ekwunife Uche representing Anambra Central, in her lead debate said the delay was resulting in untold hardships for Nigerians, who need to travel out or return to the country.
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The lawmaker said Nigerians were still facing challenges with passport processing, despite the six-week timeline of processing passports officially given by the Federal Government.
Contributing, Biodun Olujumi (PDP-Ekiti), said the situation has become an embarrassment to Nigerians.
Muhammad Adamu Bulkachuwa (PDP-Bauchi), in his view, said the motion came too late to present to the Senate.
The Senate, therefore, mandated the committee to investigate the contract award for the production of international passport and turn in their report within two weeks.
