The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to modernise Nigeria’s immigration services, highlighting significant savings and efficiency gains through an automated application system.
Speaking on the latest episode of “Unfiltered: The Big Interview,” a YouTube series hosted by O’tega ‘The Tiger’ Ogra, the minister detailed ambitious initiatives including automated passport applications, home delivery of passports, and advanced passenger information systems at airports.
“When we took office in August last year, we began with a thorough stock-taking,” Tunji-Ojo explained. “Planning is crucial, and our meticulous approach has enabled us to achieve our short-term goals across all agencies.”
The minister proudly reported the clearance of a backlog of over 204,000 passports within three weeks. “Under President Bola Tinubu, passport backlogs are now a thing of the past,” he stated. The automation of the application process, a key component of their strategy, has already saved the government substantial sums. “We used to pay N200 per applicant for document archiving. With three million passports processed annually, that’s a saving of about N600 million,” he highlighted.
In a significant step forward, the ministry is set to launch a home delivery system for passports. Additionally, the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) system will allow immigration officials to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in Nigeria. “This ensures that individuals with questionable backgrounds are identified and prevented from entering the country,” Tunji-Ojo noted.
The minister also revealed the upcoming improvements to the visa application process, promising that e-visas to Nigeria will be processed within 48 hours. “We’ve centralised visa procurement for enhanced security, ensuring every application goes through Interpol and other international criminal databases,” he explained.
These reforms, according to Tunji-Ojo, aim to enhance national security and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. “We are opening our doors to legitimate, law-abiding visitors to explore the beauty and hospitality of Nigeria,” he concluded.
