The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that starting from February 2024, Nigerians will have the convenience of having their passports delivered to their preferred locations, including their homes and offices.
During the opening ceremony of the International Week of the University Of Lagos, titled, ‘Breaking the Borders of Partnership,’ Tunji-Ojo shared that by January next year, Nigerians will also be able to complete their passport application process online.
“We have initiated the automation of our end-to-end passport application process, ensuring that Nigerians have a delightful experience,” he stated. “By January next year, the application process will be available online, and by February, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, Nigerians will enjoy the convenience of passport delivery to their chosen locations.”
The minister also highlighted plans to extend this service to visa applications, aiming to streamline the entire process using technology. To support this effort, 12 additional visa application centers will be opened worldwide. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on enforcing the principle of reciprocity, with a dedicated committee established to achieve this.
Tunji-Ojo expressed concern over the duplication of identity registration across various platforms such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN), international passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and SIM card registration. He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the harmonization of these identity numbers nationwide.
“The integrity of travel documents will be restored through data harmonization,” he emphasized. “Currently, there is unnecessary duplication of registration. Our directive is to harmonize the country’s database, enabling agencies to exchange data efficiently. This will save time, costs, and energy, while enhancing our processes and national security architecture.”
With these developments, Nigerians can look forward to a more streamlined and convenient passport application and delivery process, as well as improved data harmonization to enhance efficiency and security.
