The Nigeria Immigration Service has debunked reports circulating online that some regions of the country have been barred from obtaining Nigerian passports, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Service clarified that no part of the country has been excluded from passport issuance, noting that the confusion stems from an ongoing nationwide reform of passport administration.
The statement, signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, explained that the changes are part of a phased migration to a centralised passport production system aimed at improving efficiency and security.
According to Akinlabi, “The Service has observed inaccurate online narratives suggesting that certain regions have been denied access to passport services. These claims do not reflect the reality of the reforms currently being implemented.”
He said the centralisation process, which commenced in 2024, is designed to modernise passport production across both domestic offices and Nigerian missions abroad, rather than restrict access for any group of citizens.
“The phased onboarding is structured to ensure a smooth transition that guarantees secure and seamless passport services for Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside,” he added.
The NIS disclosed that passport offices in several North-East and North-Central states—including Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau—have already been fully integrated into the centralised system. It also noted that 35 passport centres across Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America have completed the transition.
Akinlabi said the current phase of the exercise covers South-East states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, alongside five foreign missions located in Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Austria.
He explained that the migration process is scheduled to run through the first quarter of 2026 and is being implemented based on a detailed work-plan to prevent delays in passport issuance.
The NIS spokesperson urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as speculative and divisive reports, assuring citizens of the Service’s commitment to fairness and professionalism.
“Our focus remains on delivering efficient, transparent, and secure passport services in the overall interest of the nation,” Akinlabi stated.
