The Federal Government has announced that over 3.5 million Nigerian passports have been issued within the past two years, marking a significant improvement in passport processing and delivery under ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Interior. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the disclosure, also revealed that the government is now saving about ₦1 billion annually through cost-cutting measures and improved efficiency in passport production and administration.
Speaking on recent achievements by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the issuance milestone reflects the impact of digital innovations and policy overhauls introduced to tackle delays, middlemen interference, and logistics bottlenecks that previously plagued the passport application process. He explained that prior to the reforms, applicants often endured long waiting periods, inconsistencies, and in some cases, exploitation by unofficial agents.
According to the Minister, the streamlining of operations and automation of services has not only enhanced transparency but also drastically reduced operational costs. “We have eliminated unnecessary outsourcing and blocked several financial leakages. This has saved the government over one billion naira annually,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister also highlighted the introduction of an online tracking system that allows applicants to monitor the status of their passport applications in real time, significantly reducing the burden on physical offices and curbing corruption. In addition, more passport offices have been opened across key locations, including overseas missions, to improve access for Nigerians living abroad.
He emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration remains committed to reforming the identity management and border control systems, with the ultimate goal of making public services more citizen-friendly, secure, and efficient.
The progress in passport issuance comes at a time when demand for international travel documents is at an all-time high, driven by a surge in educational, business, and migration-related movements. With the improvements now in place, the government says it is better positioned to handle future increases in demand while maintaining service quality.
Nigerians are being urged to continue using the official NIS portal for all applications and avoid falling victim to touts or unofficial agents. The Interior Ministry insists that with the reforms still ongoing, passport issuance timelines will continue to improve and cases of backlog will soon become a thing of the past.
