The Federal Government has made significant strides in passport issuance and processing, with over 3.5 million passports issued in less than two years and a savings of over N1 billion yearly through reforms in the passport processing system. This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the inauguration of the ministry’s new Passport Front Office in Abuja.
According to the minister, the administration inherited a backlog of over 200,000 unprocessed passports and a debt of nearly N20 billion when it assumed office in 2023. However, through diligent efforts, the backlog and debt have since been cleared. The ministry has issued a total of 3,546,258 passports, with 3,080,141 issued locally and 466,117 issued in the diaspora since August 2023.
The reforms implemented by the ministry have not only improved efficiency but also resulted in significant cost savings. The minister highlighted that the automation of document uploads, such as birth and marriage certificates, has saved the government about N1 billion yearly. He emphasized that the ministry no longer pays contractors for tasks that Nigerians can do themselves, allowing the government to retain these funds.
Furthermore, the minister announced that the number of centers issuing enhanced e-passports has increased significantly. In Nigeria, the number of centers has risen from 26 to 44, while in the diaspora, it has increased from 5 to 47. All passport offices now issue harmonized enhanced passports in line with global best practices, ensuring that every Nigerian passport is ICAO-compliant and globally verifiable.
The minister also revealed that a new passport central personalization center with modern technology, provided by Iris Smart Technologies at no cost, would become operational by August 2025. He commended the company for supporting the government’s reform efforts and providing advanced passport production equipment without cost to the treasury.
The inauguration of the new Passport Front Office in Abuja is expected to address the challenges faced by high-ranking government officials in accessing passports. The minister noted that the specialized facility would significantly enhance access, reduce waiting times, and elevate service standards for passport delivery. This initiative is part of a broader reform effort by the ministry to improve efficiency, security, and service delivery in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
