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Nigeria Immigration Service Addresses Criticism Over Passport Issuance Delays
Following a public critique by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo regarding the slow issuance of passports, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a formal response. Soyombo had accused the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, of failing to deliver on his pledge to streamline and expedite the passport application process.
Journalist Highlights Prolonged Passport Renewal Wait
In a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Soyombo revealed that he applied for a passport renewal six months ago but has yet to receive the document. This contradicts the Minister’s earlier assurance that passports would be issued within one week of application. Soyombo also recounted the challenges he faced during the application process, including technical issues and unhelpful staff at the Lagos office.
“Back in January 2024, I expressed skepticism about Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s ability to reform Nigeria’s notoriously inefficient passport system. Many dismissed my concerns as overly pessimistic. Yet, six months after paying N109,700 and completing the necessary procedures, my passport remains undelivered. Despite repeated promises, the system continues to falter,” Soyombo wrote.
Challenges in the Passport Application Process
Soyombo described how network outages prevented him from completing biometric capturing on the first day, forcing a return visit. He also criticized the Minister’s public image, suggesting that media praise does not reflect the reality experienced by applicants. His experience underscores ongoing frustrations among Nigerians seeking timely passport services.
NIS Responds: Passport Ready and Processing Times Improved
In response, the Nigeria Immigration Service clarified via their official X handle that Soyombo’s passport has been produced and is awaiting collection. The agency emphasized that the average processing time for passports currently ranges between two to three weeks, a significant improvement compared to previous years.
“Contrary to recent claims, the passport in question has been finalized and is ready for delivery. To date, millions of passports have been issued efficiently, with processing times averaging 2-3 weeks. Delays can occasionally occur due to incomplete applications, security verifications, or technical issues, which are common challenges worldwide,” the statement read.
Significant Progress and Future Enhancements
The NIS highlighted that over 1.3 million passports were produced in 2025 alone, contributing to Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Henley Passport Index. They acknowledged that isolated delays should not overshadow the overall progress made in reforming the passport issuance system.
To enhance transparency, the agency announced plans to introduce a new feature on the passport application tracker that will notify applicants when their passports are ready for collection, aiming to reduce uncertainty and improve user experience.
Additional Public Concerns and NIS Clarifications
Other Nigerians have also voiced concerns about delayed passports, including applicants in the UK. The NIS responded by stating that there are currently no backlogs in the UK office except for cases involving data changes, reassuring applicants of ongoing efficiency.
Conclusion: Balancing Progress with Public Expectations
While the Nigeria Immigration Service has made notable strides in reducing passport processing times and increasing output, individual cases of delay continue to fuel public dissatisfaction. The agency’s commitment to improving communication and system transparency is a positive step toward restoring confidence in Nigeria’s passport services.
