Celebrations echoed throughout Nigeria today as Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, formally unveiled the nation’s inaugural online application portal for international passports. This highly-anticipated development aims to simplify the passport application process for Nigerians, both domestically and internationally.
Accessible at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng, the portal offers two options for both Nigerian and diaspora applicants: a 5-year passport with 32 pages for N25,000 and a 10-year passport with 64 pages for N70,000. Overseas applicants will incur slightly higher fees, at $130 and $230, respectively.
While the launch was met with widespread appreciation for the convenience and transparency of the online system, some expressed reservations about the passport fees. Concerns were raised, with citizens urging the Minister to consider aligning the costs with the current minimum wage of N30,000.
An additional point of contention highlighted the lack of differentiation between the rates for obtaining a fresh passport and the renewal of an existing one. Advocates called on the Minister to address this issue promptly, allowing Nigerians to benefit from these reforms at the same time.
Emphasizing that the cost of obtaining a passport should not hinder travel and opportunity, stakeholders encourage the Ministry to maintain an open dialogue with the public. They recommend ongoing adjustments to ensure affordability and inclusivity in the passport application process.
The online portal is a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced efficiency and service delivery. Applicants can choose their preferred capture location, eliminating the need for intermediaries and potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Ultimately, the launch of the online portal signifies a positive stride towards a more streamlined and user-friendly passport application system for the nation.
