Ola Akins
In a significant move to enhance passport processing for Nigerians residing in the United States, the Federal Government has successfully installed state-of-the-art passport printers at the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta.
This development aims to expedite passport issuance and address the longstanding challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora.The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had previously directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deploy these new printers to the consulates. This directive came in response to petitions from diaspora groups highlighting delays and difficulties in obtaining passports due to inadequate printing facilities.
The minister emphasized that this immediate intervention serves as a short-term solution to alleviate current challenges. Beyond this immediate measure, the Ministry of Interior is implementing a comprehensive plan to streamline passport processing.
This includes the activation of the Passport Personalization Centre in Abuja, scheduled to commence operations in the coming weeks. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the contactless application process to more countries, aiming to provide Nigerians worldwide with a more efficient and user-friendly passport application experience.
The successful installation of these advanced passport printers in New York and Atlanta marks a pivotal step in the government’s commitment to improving consular services for its citizens abroad.
Nigerians in the U.S. can now anticipate a more streamlined and expedited passport renewal and issuance process, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of its diaspora community.