The Federal Government has announced the end of passport production across multiple centres, introducing a centralised system for the first time in Nigeria’s history.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection of the new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the development marks the most significant reform since the NIS was established in 1963.
“For the first time in 62 years, Nigeria will run a central passport production centre,” Tunji-Ojo declared. “The project is 100 per cent ready, and with it, Nigeria can now be more productive and efficient in delivering passport services.”
The minister noted that the outdated machines previously in use could only handle about 250 to 300 passports daily. In contrast, the new system has the capacity to produce between 4,500 and 5,000 passports every day.
“With this innovation, the NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation. It is a game-changer for passport processing in this country,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to faster service delivery, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that Nigerians should expect passports in less than the promised two-week period.
“We promised two-week delivery, but now we are working towards a one-week delivery. Automation and optimisation are critical to achieving this goal,” he explained.
He further stressed that the move to centralisation aligns with international standards and will enhance the integrity of Nigerian passports globally.
“This reform is about more than just machines. It is about building a culture of efficiency, ensuring uniformity, and boosting confidence in our travel documents,” the minister added.
Tunji-Ojo described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, aimed at strengthening institutions and improving service delivery for Nigerians.
“This centralisation is a new narrative for the passport system. It is about capacity, efficiency, and making sure services are closer to the people,” he said.
