Minister Directs Deployment of Passport Printers to U.S. Consulates for Faster Processing

In a move to ease passport issuance for Nigerians abroad, the minister has ordered the deployment of passport printers to U.S. consulates to improve efficiency and reduce delays.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to send new printers to passport offices at Nigerian Consulates in Atlanta and New York in the United States.

This comes just a few days after a petition by a group of Nigerians living abroad.

The petitioners had urged the minister to take action after outlining the difficulties Nigerians in urgent need of consular services were encountering in both cities.

In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo confirmed receiving the petition and announced that he has instructed the NIS accordingly.

The statement noted that the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed receiving a petition concerning an appeal for passport printers at the Atlanta and New York Consulates in the United States.

To tackle this issue, the minister has authorized and instructed the NIS to promptly dispatch new printers to passport offices in both cities. These printers are prepared for installation. This temporary solution is intended to quickly address the current challenge.

The minister suggested that a new solution is being put into place as part of a long-term plan to introduce an improved passport system, which will make it easier for Nigerians to apply for their passports.

This plan involves activating the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, which is set to begin operations in the coming weeks. Additionally, more countries will be added to those already utilizing the contactless solution.

The ministry, led by the minister, is operating tirelessly to ensure no agency lags behind. For example, at the NIS (Nigerian Immigration Service), there has been a complete automation of the passport application process and a contactless application procedure was introduced and launched in Canada.

“The minister affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s government is dedicated to providing Nigerians with a sense of renewed hope, enriched by innovation and convenience, all while strengthening national security,” the statement continued.