Nigeria Immigration Service Centralises Passport Production for the First Time in 62 Years
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ended passport production at multiple centres nationwide, transitioning to a single centralised system for the first time since its establishment in 1963.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Thursday while inspecting the newly completed Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.
He described the development as a historic reform, noting that the centralised system would improve efficiency, cut processing delays, and strengthen the integrity of Nigerian passports.
“The project is 100 per cent ready. Nigeria can now be more productive and efficient in delivering passport services,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He explained that the old machines could only produce about 250 to 300 passports daily, while the new system has the capacity to process between 4,500 and 5,000 passports per day.
“With this, NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation. We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week,” the minister added.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised that centralisation aligns with global best practices and would ensure uniformity in passport production, while also enhancing international confidence in Nigerian travel documents.
He said the move was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda and represents a major step toward modernising the nation’s passport system
FAQs
1. When was the Nigeria Immigration Service established?
It was established in 1963.
2. Why was passport production centralised?
To improve efficiency, ensure uniformity, and align with global best practices.
3. How many passports can the new system produce daily?
Between 4,500 and 5,000, compared to 250–300 previously.
4. How soon will passports be delivered under the new system?
The government is targeting one-week delivery.
5. What impact does this have on Nigerians abroad?
It enhances the credibility of Nigerian passports internationally and strengthens service delivery at consular offices.
