After years of long queues and frustrating delays, Nigerians can now expect their passports within one week, thanks to a new centralised production system unveiled by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The breakthrough was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday during an inspection of the Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.
For decades, passport processing in Nigeria has been plagued by bottlenecks, with outdated machines producing just 250 to 300 passports per day, leading to backlogs that left applicants waiting weeks or even months. The new system, however, can churn out between 4,500 and 5,000 passports daily, enough to clear daily demand within just a few hours.
“We promised Nigerians two-week delivery, but with this new system, we are pushing for just one week,” Tunji-Ojo said, calling the project a “game-changer” for service delivery. “Automation and optimisation are the tools that will finally end the frustrations of our people.”
The minister explained that centralisation would ensure uniformity and global recognition of Nigerian passports, making them more secure and respected worldwide. He also noted that the reform was fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to modernise public services and restore trust in government institutions.
For ordinary Nigerians, this means less waiting time, reduced stress, and a fairer process that cuts out middlemen and unofficial delays. Travel plans, academic pursuits, medical trips, and business engagements that previously stalled due to passport delays may now move forward more smoothly.
Analysts say the move could be one of the most impactful reforms in recent years, as millions of Nigerians depend on timely passport issuance for both local and international opportunities.
In conclusion, the launch of the centralised centre marks the beginning of a new era for the NIS. If implemented effectively, the promise of one-week delivery will not only restore confidence in the passport system but also ease the daily struggles of Nigerians who simply want quick, transparent, and reliable access to their travel documents.
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