The Federal Government has announced the successful clearance of more than 200,000 pending passport applications, alongside the settlement of ₦28 billion in outstanding debts related to passport services. This milestone was achieved without any additional funding from the government, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Speaking at the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series in Lagos on Monday, the Minister credited strategic planning, the adoption of innovative technologies, and improved operational efficiencies for these achievements. Among the initiatives highlighted were the launch of an electronic visa platform, introduction of contactless passport renewal services for Nigerians living abroad, and enhanced passenger tracking systems.
Tunji-Ojo also raised concerns about the state of the nation’s correctional facilities, noting that over 4,000 inmates remain incarcerated because they are unable to pay fines as low as ₦50,000. He described this situation as a moral issue, urging for reforms that consider the socio-economic realities of the affected individuals.
The Minister underscored the need for proactive leadership and governance reforms, emphasizing that effective leadership involves anticipating and resolving challenges before they escalate.
These developments signal the Federal Government’s commitment to improving service delivery in the immigration sector while addressing broader social justice issues within the country’s correctional system.
