The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday paid an unannounced visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, following persistent complaints over delays in passport processing. The surprise inspection was aimed at assessing service delivery and identifying bottlenecks affecting applicants.
During the visit, the minister openly expressed displeasure at the long waiting times faced by Nigerians, describing the situation as unacceptable. He questioned officials on why applicants were made to wait far beyond stipulated timelines, despite ongoing reforms within the passport issuance system.
Tunji-Ojo also issued a stern warning against extortion and unofficial charges, cautioning applicants not to make extra payments to fast-track their applications. He stressed that passport processing fees are fixed and that anyone demanding or paying illegal charges undermines government efforts to sanitise the system.
The minister’s visit drew attention from applicants at the office, many of whom expressed hope that the intervention would lead to improved efficiency and accountability. The inspection is expected to prompt internal reviews within the NIS as the Interior Ministry intensifies efforts to ensure transparent and timely passport services nationwide.