…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has taken a significant step to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining passports by declaring a state of emergency on passport issuance nationwide.
The Acting Comptroller General of NIS, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, announced this during her visit to Lagos.
Recognizing the Urgency:
The decision to declare a state of emergency on passport issuance aims to tackle the persistent difficulties experienced by Nigerians in obtaining their passports.
NIS spokesperson, Tony Akuneme, confirmed this development in a statement.
Senate’s Intervention:
The Senate had previously responded to numerous complaints from Nigerians about delays in passport renewal and issuance.
In response, the Senate ordered its committee on interior to investigate the underlying reasons behind these delays.
Visit to Lagos and Assessing the Crisis:
During her visit to Lagos, Adepoju engaged in significant activities that highlighted the seriousness of the passport crisis.
She inaugurated a state-of-the-art visa-on-arrival lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors to Nigeria.
Additionally, she made an unscheduled visit to the Alausa passport office to firsthand assess the situation.
Addressing Bottlenecks and Enhancing Efficiency:
In her address, Acting Comptroller General Adepoju emphasized the urgent need to remove all obstacles that hinder the passport application process.
She reiterated the NIS top management’s determination to address institutional and technological shortcomings, aiming for more efficient and streamlined service delivery.
Renewed Commitment and Call to Action:
The declaration of a state of emergency on passport issues signifies the NIS’s renewed commitment to resolving the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking passports.
It serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
Conclusion:
With the declaration of a state of emergency on passport issuance, the Nigerian Immigration Service aims to address the longstanding issues and improve the experience of Nigerians applying for passports.
This decision underscores the commitment of the NIS to prioritize efficient and transparent service delivery, urging all stakeholders to collaborate and work towards resolving the challenges faced by passport applicants.