New Nigeria Immigration Service boss declares passport issuance state of emergency

NEWLY-appointed acting comptroller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Caroline Adepoju has declared a state of emergency on passport issuance in the country stating that something drastic needs to be done to address the problem.

Earlier this week, President Bola Tinubu named Ms Adepoju as the new NIS boss and she has already got to work, visiting Nigeria's busiest airport in Lagos. During a visit to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, Ms Adepoju said that there was an urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining international passports.

While in Lagos she inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa-on-Arrival Lounge at the airport and used the occasion to announce a comprehensive plan of action to tackle the passport issue effectively. Ms Adepoju said that the facility demonstrated the NIS’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.

According to her, the state of emergency declaration on passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolve the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports. As part of this drive Ms Adepoju directed all passport control officers, relevant units and personnel, including missions abroad, to eliminate all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing passports promptly.

Ms Adepoju said: “It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery. NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the passport application and issuance process.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the service as it takes decisive steps to address the passport crisis."