Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior, has stated that the Federal Government intends to begin a passport home delivery service.
He stated that the government intended for anyone interested in obtaining a passport to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner.
On Saturday, the minister made these remarks at the opening of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Front Desk Office in Auchi, Edo State.
According to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, the minister promised to finish negotiations with the Nigerian Postal Service on the use of its fast mail service to begin providing passports to Nigerians.
“What we are doing here is significant for two main reasons,” the statement said in part. The first of these is the Nigerians, particularly those in the diaspora, have the right (and even the necessity) to hold a Nigerian passport. Except for those who are traveling or want to travel outside the country, most people who have a passport do so for identification. It is also a source of pride for some to be able to display the greenback of the passport.
“However, for those who live outside the country, the passport serves as proof of identity.
“The failure to manufacture it on demand could have unintended consequences. As a result, the government wishes to issue the passport to anybody who desires it in a reasonable amount of time, at a reasonable cost, and without undue stress. The second is the desire to break free from the routine, which stems from the first.
“Weare nearing the end of negotiations with NIPOST to begin using its express mail service to send passports to Nigerians anywhere in the world following manufacturing.”
According to Aregbesola, Edo State has one of the largest number of passport applications in Nigeria, and the time between application and collection will most certainly grow due to the current surge in demand He stated
“According to our current work schedule, a new application would take six weeks after biometric data registration and three weeks for renewal.” This is fair, competitive, and consistent with worldwide best practices.
“However, the waiting period at the point of application and data registration is a challenge.”
To decide the registration date, all applicants will be placed in a queue based on the center of their choosing. Regrettably, it may take up to two months in some highly competitive centers where applications are extremely high. We have no say in the matter.”
He also recommended applicants to make long-term plans for their trip, whether for education, work, pleasure, or migration, save for essential national duties or medical situations.
