The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deliver new passport printers to the Nigerian Consulates in Atlanta and New York, USA.
This decision follows a petition from Nigerians in the Diaspora, highlighting difficulties in accessing consular services in these locations.
In a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister confirmed receipt of the petition and announced immediate action to address the concerns.
The statement revealed:
“The Minister of Interior has approved the deployment of new printers to the passport offices in Atlanta and New York. These printers are ready for installation and will provide a quick solution to the current challenges.
Additionally, the minister shared plans for a long-term upgrade to streamline the passport process, including the activation of the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, set to commence in a few weeks. More countries are also being added to the recently introduced contactless application system.”
Under the leadership of Minister Tunji-Ojo, the ministry is implementing innovative measures, such as the full automation of the passport application process, which has already been launched in Canada.
The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering convenience and innovation while prioritizing national security, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for #RenewedHope.