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The Minister of interior, Olubunmi Ojo has noted that Passport automation will commence in the country as from January 8, 2024 with its benefits clearly stated.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Minister of interior, said Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process, including uploading passport photos and supporting documents online without human contact, starting January 8.
According to the minister, the initiative is not only a leap towards efficiency but also a significant enhancement to the country’s security architecture.
He noted that the automated system is expected to expedite the detection of fraudulent passport applications, thus bolstering the nation’s security measures, he said, adding that the service has stationed document verification officers across all local government areas in the country to scrutinize passport applications in the country.
Continuing, he added that the new stage of the enhanced passport application process will improve the security architecture of the country, prompting a quick detection of fake passport applications and reducing bottlenecks.
It was further learned that Under the new system, Nigerians will only need to visit immigration centers for fingerprint biometrics, simplifying the passport application process.
The Minister also noted that married women will no longer go through the stress of travelling to Abuja to have their change of name done, saying it can now be done from the comfort of their homes.
He added that passport automation will aid fast data collection, processing and collection of passports.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that citizens can conveniently upload their passport photographs and required documents from the comfort of their homes, streamlining the pre-biometric phase.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to balancing national security and convenience, emphasizing that the new system aims to enhance efficiency while maintaining stringent security measures.
Similarly, Tunji-Ojo shared plans to install e-gate systems at international airports across the country by February 2024.
This development is anticipated to expedite immigration processes for Nigerian travellers, as e-gates will automate entry procedures, minimizing the need for direct interaction with immigration officers.