Nigerian Immigration launches e-Passport facilities in Europe

Increased efforts have been made by the federal government to improve passport processing. The Nation reports that e-passport facilities were introduced at select Nigerian embassies in Europe.

Yesterday, the Nigerian Embassy in Rome witnessed the inauguration of the facilities by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The minister underscored the dedication of the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the advancement of services for the Diaspora community and to citizens’ diplomacy.

Tunji-Ojo, in the presence of Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), declared the gradual implementation of the improved e-Passport in Europe.

The initial episode, in his estimation, would encompass Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain, and Switzerland. It was formally inaugurated in Rome, and the second phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of the week.

The minister stated in a statement signed by NIS Public Relations Officer Aridegbe Adedotun that the e-Passport adheres to all International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.

He observed that Nigeria became the fifth nation globally and the first in Africa to adopt this technological advancement.

He added that this achievement has garnered praise from the international community.

Adepoju stated in her remarks that the enhanced e-Passport will substantially decrease processing delays in Europe.

The individual strongly advised candidates to comply with all application requirements, which included using the online application and payment system located at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring that their National Identification Number (NIN) and passport application data are synchronised.

She further stated that the advanced travel document is divided into three categories: one with a validity period of five years and 32 pages; another with a validity period of ten years and 64 pages (for adults only).

The individual referenced the NIS website (www.immigration.gov.ng) and Twitter (@nigimmigration) as the designated platforms for virtual applicants to lodge complaints.