Nigeria Makes History, Becomes First in Africa to Launch E-passport Offices in Italy, Spain, Others
- In a recent development, the FG has opened e-passport offices in Italy, Spain and other countries
- The government said the move aims to streamline passport acquisition for Nigerians residing in the diaspora.
- It, however, said that the enhanced e-passport will be rolled out in two phases in Europe across affected countries
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has over 3-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market
The Nigerian government has opened e-passport facilities at some selected Nigerian Embassies in Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, unveiled the facilities in Rome, Italy, on Monday, November 6, 2023.
Source: Getty Images
He said the development is directed towards streamlining passport processing and acquisition for Nigerians residing in the diaspora.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Enhanced e-passports will be rolled out in phases
The public relations officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Dr Dotun Aridegbe, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘Federal Government Unveils Enhanced e-Passport Facilities in Europe.’
Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, acting comptroller-general of Immigration, said the enhanced e-passport will be rolled out in phases in Europe.
Phase one which encompasses Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy was unveiled in Rome this Monday. Punch reported that Phase Two is expected to go into effect by the end of this week
The minister added that the e-passport satisfied all requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
He said the development makes Nigeria the first nation in Africa and the fifth globally to take such a step.
According to the minister, the enhanced e-passport will solve the processing delays problem in Europe provided applicants adhere strictly to application guidelines.
An important guideline includes utilizing the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng. In addition, applicants will need to ensure that information on their passport synchronizes with that of the National Identification Number.
Earlier, the interior minister announced that Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, or wherever they want, starting February 2024.
Legit.ng earlier examined the process of getting an internal passport.
“Don’t Pay Agents”: Nigerian immigration tells citizens, releases 3 links to apply for passport from home
Legit.ng earlier reported that the NIS warned Nigerians against paying agents to obtain passports.
In a post on Twitter, NIS emphasized that individuals can easily apply for and pay for their passports online without needing an intermediary.
The announcement was part of the agency's ongoing campaign to streamline the passport application process and reduce corruption.
Source: Legit.ng
