TheCable

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has announced the commencement of training for immigration officers on automated passport application processes. 

On January 2, the minister said the complete automation of passport applications will commence on January 8.

In a statement on Wednesday, Tunji-Ojo declared open the training of officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on the “new phase”. 

“Today, I declared open the training on automated passport application for passport control officers and enrolment officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he said.

“With the commitment and dedication displayed by service officers, launching the automation process on Monday, January 8, 2024, is possible.”

Earlier, the minister assured Nigerians that reforms being carried out by the ministry would enable them to change the data on their international passports online.

“There is one stupid thing I have seen and it is that a woman gets married, changes her name, and then she has to come to Abuja from say Kaura Namoda or Enugu just to come and effect a change of name in her passport. It is absurd,” he said.

“I can’t just figure it that you want to change just your name and you have to be in Abuja.

“With the new reforms, you don’t need to travel to Abuja to change your data. Everything will be online.

“From March, once you have ever enrolled for your passport and you are coming to renew, please don’t come to my office. Stay in your house and do it.”