"Starting from April": FG Announces Major Change in Processing, Obtaining Passports, Details Emerge

• The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has launched a contactless biometric capture system to simplify passport applications
• The new contactless passport processing app is applicable to Nigerians aged 18 and above or those renewing passports
• In collaboration with Irish Smart Technology and New World, the government plans to centralize passport production in Nigeria by April next year

FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the passport application process, introducing a contactless biometric capture system to streamline the experience for citizens.

The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the launch of a new contactless passport processing app that will allow eligible Nigerians to apply for and receive their passports without visiting passport offices, Vanguard reported.

This initiative, which is part of the federal government's broader efforts to simplify the passport application process, will apply to Nigerians aged 18 and above, as well as those seeking to renew expired passports.

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However, he clarified that first-time applicants would still need to visit passport offices for biometric registration.

FG's centralized production of passports

The contactless passport project is a collaboration between two Nigerian firms, Irish Smart Technology and New World, which have been piloting the system for the past nine months, The Punch reported.

The app, designed to cover all requirements for passport issuance, promises to enhance the ease and transparency of the process.

Starting from April next year, passport production will be centralized within Nigeria.

This new measure is aimed at boosting efficiency and further streamlining the issuance process. As part of these reforms, immigration attachés in foreign missions will no longer have the authority to approve visa issuance.

Tinubu's govt deports Zimbabwean bishop

In another development, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the immediate deportation of Eben Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean cleric, for violating the country's immigration laws.

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Nhiwatawi was arrested on August 24 in Yola, Adamawa, for participating in a church leadership election, contrary to the terms of his tourist visa.

The cleric arrived in Nigeria on August 21, 2024, with a tourist visa meant solely for tourism purposes. However, he reportedly participated in a church election process in Yola, Adamawa state, which was deemed a violation of the visa terms and privileges.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng