In a bold move to overhaul passport issuance in Nigeria, the Federal Government has pledged that passports will now be delivered within one week of enrolment. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, during the ministry’s mid‑term performance retreat held yesterday in Abuja.
“Our target is very clear: within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport in hand,” the minister declared. “Not just delivering quickly, but delivering quality passports that reflect our integrity as a nation.”
What Changed?
• Reformed System, Faster Delivery: The revamped passport issuance process drastically cuts the former six‑month wait time, which often forced applicants to pay exorbitant fees to expedite processing, sometimes up to ₦200,000.
• Centralised Personalisation Centre: A new centralised facility has been established, enabling five times the current printing capacity. Once an applicant is enrolled, vetting and printing can be completed in under 24 hours.
• Backlog Cleared Rapidly: A backlog that once lingered for six months was cleared in just two and a half weeks, marking a dramatic turnaround.
• Eliminating Racketeering: To curb corruption, Passport Control Officers (PCOs) have been stripped of powers to approve or delay applications. Approval is now centralised, minimising human intervention and the opportunity for illicit demands.
• Integrity of Nigerian Passport Restored: New vetting measures aim to prevent the illegal issuance of Nigerian passports to non‑citizens. The minister cited a recent case where a Ugandan woman was detained at Lagos airport after acquiring a passport by paying $1,000.
What This Means for Nigerians
1. Timely Passport Delivery
One week issuance could save applicants from long queues, stress, and reliance on third-parties. It represents a watershed moment in public service delivery.
2. End of Informal Payments
Reducing human discretion and contact helps dismantle the deeply entrenched racketeering networks that have added financial burden to the passport issuance process.
3. Quality and Security
Centralization and enhanced capacity point to higher quality control and strengthened security in issuing passports—a key national symbol.
4. Restoring Public Confidence
The dramatic clearing of backlogs and benchmark promises help rebuild citizen trust in government institutions.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Government’s reform signals a new era—one where efficiency, integrity, and citizen-centred service delivery are no longer aspirational but actively pursued. If these promises are upheld, many Nigerians may finally say goodbye to years-long waits and cumbersome systems. The true test, however, will lie in consistent implementation.
