Nigerian government said the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has inaugurated additional enhanced e-passport facilities at selected Nigerian Embassies in Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria and Switzerland.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NIS, Dr. Adedotun Aridegbe on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome.
He explained that the new passport processing centres were part of efforts to streamline passport processing and acquisition for Nigerians residing in the diaspora.
According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the dedication of President Bola Tinubu’s government to citizens’ diplomacy and the enhancement of services to the diaspora community.
The interior minister who was represented by the Acting Comptroller General, Caroline Adepoju announced the phased rollout of the enhanced e-Passport in Europe. Adding that FG is unveiling additional enhanced e-Passport facilities at select Nigerian Embassies in Europe.
“Phase one, which includes Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, is officially Introduced in Rome while phase two is scheduled to be implemented by the end of the week.
“The e-Passport complies with all standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“This positioned Nigeria as the first country in Africa and the fifth worldwide to embrace the technological achievement. This accomplishment has garnered high regard from the international community,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the enhanced e-Passport would significantly reduce processing delays in Europe, provided applicants adhered strictly to application guidelines, including utilising the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring the synchronisation of their passport application data with their National Identification Number (NIN).
“The advanced travel document offers three categories: (i) 32-page Five-year validity category (ii) 64-page Five-year validity category (iii) 64-page Ten-year validity category (for adults only)
He enjoined applicants with complaints to use the following channels for resolution. “(i) Twitter: @nigimmigration (ii) Website: www.immigration.gov.ng to interact with the virtual assistant and the Contact Center on; 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092,” he added.