Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The federal government, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has lifted the suspension on passport application requests.
On May 18, the commission said the service for fresh requests for passport booklets has been suspended to enable issuing centres to clear the existing backlog of applications.
On June 1 when the suspension should have lapsed, the commission postponed the resumption date till June 8 to give more time to clear the backlog of over 43,000 uncollected passport booklets.
On Tuesday, Amos Okpu, assistant comptroller for immigration, in a statement, said the portal will open at midnight on June 8 for applicants to apply and make payments for categories of their choice.
Okpu noted that the applications and payments should be done through the commission’s website — www.immigration.gov.ng.
“Also, upon successful applications, applicants shall make their online booking interview/enrollment appointment on any day, time and location they consider convenient,” the statement reads.
“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 (renewal applications).
“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.”
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