In a recent engagement with the media and social media influencers in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, strongly criticized the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for forcing married women to travel to the NIS headquarters in Abuja to change their passport data. He labeled this practice as “stupid” and “cruel,” highlighting the unnecessary burden it places on these women.
Tunji-Ojo expressed disbelief at the requirement for women who have changed their names due to marriage to undertake a journey to Abuja from distant parts of the country, such as Kaura Namoda or Enugu, simply to modify their passport information. He questioned whether the immigration personnel in Abuja possess unique capabilities that are absent in the regional passport offices.
The minister emphasized his focus on enhancing border security while reshaping passport procedures. He unveiled upcoming reforms that would enable contactless biometrics enrollment, allowing Nigerians to update their passport data remotely, without the need to visit Abuja. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the upcoming March implementation date for these reforms, promising that the process would take mere minutes and could be completed from the comfort of the individual’s home.
Furthermore, he underscored the ministry’s commitment to knowledge transfer and officer training on passport-related matters, signaling a proactive approach to modernizing and streamlining immigration processes.
Amid these developments, the minister urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the administration, portraying President Bola Tinubu as a guiding force and expressing his unwavering dedication to serving Nigeria and its citizens. Additionally, he stressed the necessity for public servants to offer nothing less than 100% commitment to the nation, exemplifying the ethos of public service.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, praised the minister for advancing President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and effectively representing Nigerian youths within the government, highlighting the significant impact of Tunji-Ojo’s contributions.
The minister’s bold stance against the cumbersome passport data change process reflects a broader commitment to modernization, efficiency, and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. As the nation anticipates the forthcoming reforms, the spotlight remains on the government’s efforts to streamline administrative procedures and enhance the overall experience for its people.
