The Federal Government (FG) has announced plans to digitalise the passport application process by March 1, 2025, in a move designed to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and simplify access to passports. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, disclosed the initiative during an interview with Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the process would eliminate the need for physical interactions and queues, with applications being handled entirely online. A centralised passport approval centre has been established to bolster security and ensure seamless operations.
“With what we have now, over 100 people can apply for passports at the same time without physical intervention or appearance,” the minister said. “We’ve been able to open up a space and relocate immigration offices to everybody’s phone; and that is what technology is all about—efficiency, value addition, and effectiveness.”
The minister also announced the rollout of a contactless passport application system, which is already operational in Canada and set to begin in Europe by February 2025. Within Nigeria, Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Rivers states will be the first to implement the contactless service by March 1, enabling Nigerians to benefit from a transparent and corruption-free system.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reducing human interaction in the process would help curb corruption. “You can’t collect money from people you don’t see. Once we reduce human interference, we can significantly address corruption,” he noted.
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The minister also revealed plans to centralise passport production within Nigeria by May 1, 2025. All Nigerian passports, regardless of where they are applied for globally, will be printed domestically.
“By May 1, we are moving to the permanent location of a centralized production center,” he explained. “This means Nigeria will join the league of countries like the United States, Britain, and Canada, which centralize passport personalization procedures.”
As part of the broader digitalisation efforts, Tunji-Ojo disclosed the completion of an 8.3-petabyte data centre, one of the largest in the world. The facility addresses long-standing data management challenges and ensures the secure handling of Nigerian citizens’ information.
“Before now, the Nigeria Immigration Service had no data centre, and Nigerians’ data was stored with private contractors, which violated the Data Protection Act,” he said. “We initially promised a 1.4-petabyte data centre but ended up delivering an 8.3-petabyte centre.”
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s commitment to making passports easily accessible, highlighting their importance as both security materials and symbols of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Read Also: Why the Contactless Passport Renewal Process Was Created – Minister
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