Nigerians who wish to process their passports can now do so as the reopening of the passport application and payment portal took effect yesterday, June 8.
Recall that the process was initially suspended following the order of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on May 17. The reason stated was to clear backlogs with a slated reopening date for June 1, but it wasn’t reopened.
However, in a statement by the Assistant Comptroller for Immigration Service, Amos Okpu, which was released yesterday, it was stated that the portal, will be accessible by 12 midnight for applicants to apply and make payments for passport services.
Also provided is a chat room to tender to arising complaints and guidance of applicants. Applicants are required to upload supporting documents for review, if successful, applicants will be allowed to book their online interview at any day and time of their choice.
The statement also emphasized that “no applicant who is yet to make an online application and payment shall be allowed into any of the Passport Issuing Centres for Passport processing; applicants will be contacted through email and phone number they provided during application when their Passports are ready.” Passport racketeers were also warned to shun every act capable of hindering the new procedures otherwise face the consequences.
It was also stated that the new timeline for passport production and issuance after a successful enrollment at the selected Issuing Centre shall be six weeks for fresh applications and three weeks for re-issue.