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The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is set to inaugurate the nation's first-ever online portal for passport applications today in Abuja.
The groundbreaking announcement was made during a demonstration session on Friday, attended by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju.
Dr Tunji-Ojo revealed that the newly established online platform caters to both international and Nigerian passport applicants. This initiative aligns with the Federal Government's commitment, as announced by the minister in December, to implement a comprehensive automation system for passport applications in the country.
The minister emphasized that the automated application system is currently at a remarkable "99 per cent completion." The streamlined process includes the upload of passport photos and supporting documents.
For Nigerian applicants opting for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity, the cost is set at N25,000. Those desiring a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will be required to pay N70,000.
Foreign applicants are not left out, with fees set at $130 for a 32-page passport with a five-year validity and $230 for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity. All applicants are directed to submit their applications through the official portal: https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
The launch event was graced by prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; the representative of the International Organization for Migration, Stephen Matete; Country Manager of Development Alternatives Incorporated, Joe Abah; Founder of the Kwandala Foundation, Tijjani Musa, and the Co-founder of Technext, David Afolayan. This marks a significant leap forward in Nigeria's passport application process, embracing the digital age for greater efficiency and accessibility.
