Nigeria to Install New Passport Printers in U.S. Consulates Amid Efforts to Streamline Application Process
To address passport processing challenges faced by Nigerians in the United States, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deploy new passport printers to the country’s consulates in Atlanta and New York.
The announcement was made on Thursday through a statement by Babatunde Alao, the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity. According to Alao, the decision comes in response to numerous petitions highlighting the need for functional passport printers at these consulates.
“This short-term solution aims to resolve the current challenge promptly,” the minister said, acknowledging the frustrations many Nigerians abroad have faced in obtaining or renewing their passports.
Tunji-Ojo further outlined long-term plans to improve the passport application process, including the activation of the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, which is set to commence operations in the coming weeks. The centre is part of broader reforms aimed at simplifying and expediting passport services for Nigerians worldwide.
Additionally, the minister announced the expansion of the contactless passport application system, which was recently introduced in Canada, to other countries. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce delays in processing.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to innovation and convenience, while ensuring that national security remains a top priority. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to delivering services that reflect renewed hope for the country’s citizens.
