In Nigeria, it is no longer news that third-party agents are the bane of passport applicants, giving them sleepless nights and making the entire process frustrating. On Sunday, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said it has arrested 80 officers and men of the Service, who have been implicated in passport racketeering. The offenders have been put on trial for the collection of illegal fees for the issuance of new passports and renewal of old ones.
According to the Service Public Relations Officer, Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Tony Akuneme, eight other officers were dismissed from service for the same offence in the previous year. The CG’s three-point agenda, which includes reforming passport issuance, tightening border security and improving the welfare of NIS officers, has been implemented to curb racketeering.
While speaking to reporters, Akuneme explained that part of the reforms made by the CG included eliminating third-party agents. This means that individuals who want to renew or process their passports can now do so from the comfort of their homes. Applicants no longer need to engage immigration officers or agents as touts.
“We have tried as much as possible to eliminate third parties so that if you really want, you can process the application of your passport from the comfort of your room on your laptop, android phones and you can pay online,” he added.
Akuneme warned that third-party agents might jeopardise the prospects of applicants. Even persons who are educated and civilised still engage the services of these agents, which eventually leads to issues with their National Identification Numbers.
While explaining the steps of the operations, he said, “The problem we have is the use of third parties because no matter how much reform you put in, you will always see a learned and civilised person using a third party to process his or her application.”
He added that officers or men who try to engage or sabotage the reform process would be penalised. He also sought the cooperation of Nigerians by asking them to provide information to the Service when agents manipulate them.
“We are committed to curbing corruption and other illicit acts in the Service. You will appreciate the fact that if nothing else, the level of awareness has increased in the last few months. Don’t patronise agents, fill your forms yourself. We have officers watching and these agents know they are being watched. When they take money from you, tell us. If we don’t take action, tell the world,” he concluded.
The Nigerian Immigration Service’s move to curb passport racketeering has been applauded by Nigerians, who believe that the NIS is on the right path towards making the entire process stress-free for all.
