The federal government said it has issued more than 3.5 million passports in less than two years and saved more than N1 billion annually through reforms in the passport processing system.
Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the new Ministry passport office.
He said the reforms were implemented in line with the renewed agenda of hope of President Bola Tinubu to improve efficiency, security and provision of services.
The minister said the Administration complied with an accumulation of more than 200,000 unprocessed passports and a debt of almost #20 billion in the sector when it took office in 2023.
He explained that accumulation and debt have been clear since then.
“While 3,080,141 passports were issued locally, 466,117 passports were also issued in the diaspora since August 2023. This brings to the total of 3,546,258 passports issued.”
Tunji -o said that the Ministry also completely automated the loading of the breeder, such as birth and marriage certificates, which cost the government around N1 billion annually.
“This is an important reform. We no longer pay contractors so Nigerians can rise to themselves. That money remains with the government now,” he said.
He announced that the number of centers that issued improved electronic ports had increased from 26 to 44 in Nigeria and five to 47 in the diaspora.
He said that all passport offices now broadcast improved passports in line with global best practices.
“We inherited a system where different types of passports were issued. That affected our credibility. Today, each Nigerian passport is compatible with the OCAO and is globally verifiable,” said the minister.
Tunji -o said that a new Passport Central Personalization Center with modern technology, provided without cost by IRIS Smart Technologies, would be operational in August 2025.
He praised the company to support government reform efforts and provide advanced passport production equipment at no cost to treasure.
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He said that Nigeria now produces passports in more than 50 locations, both in the country and abroad, and has joined the key directory of the Public International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) for the global passport authentication.
The minister also announced that as of July 31, all applications for permits from special expatriates and temporary work permits must be submitted online.
“Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometry and documentation of each national security applicant,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo said that the reforms reflect the federal government's commitment to digital governance, transparency and the provision of efficient services.