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Tag: Passport

  • Nigeria’s global passport ranking to improve, says Minister

    Nigeria’s global passport ranking to improve, says Minister

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said that the status of Nigeria passport and its ranking would soon improve globally following some reforms by the government. 

    Tunji-Ojo also announced Nigeria’s enrollment in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s,  (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

    He noted that the steps so far taken were aimed at enhancing the global ranking of country’s international passport, ease of passage as well as beefing up internal security.

    The Minister spoke in Montreal, Canada with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, while participating in the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) led by ICAO officials.

    According to a statement by Babatunde Alao, the Minister’s Media aide, Tunji-Ojo reflected on the government’s efforts to modernize border control systems, saying the measure would reduce the waiting hours at airports and other points of entry within and outside the country.

    “Our government is particular about increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall travel experience for Nigerians and international visitors alike.

    “With our effort on Border Governance and Management, Nigerians can be assured that the era of endless wait and manual verification at airports across the globe is over.

    ” The President is constantly seeking means to enable growth and develop the country. The PKI / PKD is another measure to increase our global ranking and ease of doing business, “Tunji-Ojo said. 

    The Minister explained that the on going reforms ,  among other policies of the government, are expected to have positive impact on the economy, tourism, and national security.

    “While we strongly believe this will impact the tourism ecosystem, it will also play a critical role in facilitating inter-agency collaboration, especially between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the leading implementation agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he said. 

    According to Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thr Public Key Directory (PKD), enables the sharing of authentic travel documents among member states across the world.

    Read Also: Passport applicants count losses as online payment fails

    He said national and international collaboration was vital as the infrastructure required multiple authorities to play their part in the process of verification and authentication of passport and travel document data.

    Also in her remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, said necessary infrastructures to drive the new technology are in place as full implementation begins.

    “The PKD/PKI will be a game changer for us, and we can’t wait to see it transform the face of things. In partnership with IATA, we are currently training our staff so that they understand the full modules of the new technology of API/PNR ” she said.

  • It was a skit, says man whose wife tore his passport at airport

    It was a skit, says man whose wife tore his passport at airport

    • Begs Nigerians, NIS

    The husband of Favour Igiebor has said his wife did not tear his passport, as captured in a viral video.

    The controversy began over the weekend after a video surfaced showing Mrs Igiebor, in a fit of rage, with her husband’s torn passport on the floor at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

    Despite Mrs Igiebor’s defence in another video that her actions stemmed from heated family disputes, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) summoned her for questioning.

    In a video on Wednesday via the family channel Jejoja FamilyTV, the husband made a U-turn, saying it was just a skit. He urged the public and bloggers to “stop spreading misinformation.”

    “This is Jejoja FamilyTV1. I’m here with my kids to appeal to the Nigerian public and the world. What my wife said has nothing to do with a passport.

    “Please, to all bloggers, when you blog, do it responsibly and don’t spread misinformation. She never tore my passport, and she never damaged my passport. My passport is intact. What we were doing was a skit. It was just a skit.

    “This was someone’s story of what happened, and we were acting it out and sharing it with the world, but I didn’t expect bloggers to take it this far. I am pleading with national TV, Tunde Ednut, Daddy Freeze, and many others—too many to remember. Please, I am begging everyone,” he said.

    Mr Igiebor also confirmed that the NIS had inspected his passport and confirmed that it was undamaged.

    “The Immigration has seen my passport and confirmed that it is intact. No one should try to drag this issue to the world. These are my kids, Jeff and Joella. Tell the world that they should try and understand, say ‘please,’”. And they (children) echoed, ‘please.’

    Read Also: Five laws about Nigerian passport you may not know

    Mrs Igiebor’s husband continued, “We are fully bonafide Nigerians and would never go against the law by destroying a Nigerian passport. It’s simply not possible. I have my passport fully intact.”

    He concluded by apologising for the skit gone wrong.

    In the initial viral video, torn pieces of the passport were visible on the floor as Mrs Igiebor yelled and separated her children from her husband.

    She was heard saying, “I tore it,” and threatening him by adding, “You will stay here in Nigeria; this is where you’ll remain.” The husband, visibly confused, was left speechless in the video.

    Her outburst hinted at deeper family conflicts and long-standing issues within their relationship.

    In a follow-up video, Mrs Igiebor explained her actions and stated that she had been pushed to her limit and wanted to make a point. She also said they reside in Italy and that she chose to act out in Nigeria rather than Europe to avoid further complications.

    The wife said: ‘‘You must act when it gets to your neck. I didn’t want to make him go through a lot of stress, so I waited until we got to Nigeria to do it rather than Europe, where I could have done it. Don’t make comments without knowing what happened.”

  • Five laws about Nigerian passport you may not know

    Five laws about Nigerian passport you may not know

    Recent news about a woman tearing her husband’s passport upon his return to Nigeria has spotlighted the regulations surrounding Nigerian passports.

    Many Nigerians might be unclear about what actions constitute an offence concerning this crucial national document.

    The Nigerian passport is governed by specific laws that are not always well understood. It is, therefore, important to understand common offences related to Nigerian passports, as detailed in the Immigration Act 2015.

    Here are five key regulations regarding Nigerian passports that you may not be aware of:

     1. Forgery and Fraudulent Use: Under the Immigration Act 2015, any form of forgery or fraudulent use of a Nigerian passport is a criminal offence. This includes falsifying information or using a passport obtained through deceitful means.

    Read Also: Immigration probes woman who tore hubby’s passport

     2. Unlawful Possession: Possessing a Nigerian passport without proper authorization or holding multiple passports illegally falls under prohibited conduct. The Immigration Act stipulates that each individual is entitled to only one valid passport at a time.

     3. Destruction of Passport: Deliberate damage or destruction of a Nigerian passport is an offence. This includes tearing, mutilating, or otherwise rendering the passport unusable, which is considered a violation of passport regulations.

     4. Misuse of Illegal Activities: Using a Nigerian passport to engage in illegal activities, such as trafficking or other criminal enterprises, is a serious offence. The passport should only be used for lawful purposes in accordance with Nigerian and international laws.

     5. Failure to Report Loss or Theft: If a Nigerian passport is lost or stolen, the law requires that the loss or theft be reported to the relevant authorities promptly. Failure to do so can result in penalties or legal complications, as it is essential to prevent misuse of the lost or stolen passport.

    Anyone convicted of committing any of the aforementioned offences may face a penalty of up to ten years in prison or a fine of two million naira or both.

  • Immigration probes woman who tore hubby’s passport

    Immigration probes woman who tore hubby’s passport

    • Why I did it, by wife  

    • NOA backs NIS’ probe

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has summoned the woman who tore the Nigerian Passport of her husband at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos as a result of the misunderstanding between them.

    In a video, a woman was seen tearing the passport while officials urged the husband to show courage and maturity to pick up the pieces from the floor.

    NIS’ Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveller destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    “The individual has been identified and invited for further investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, her actions would have constituted a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act,” the NIS said.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.’’

    Read Also: Consequences of tearing, mutilating international passport

    Meanwhile, the ‘culprit’ has defended her action. In a video on the couple’s family Facebook page (jejojafamilytv). Ella Jeffery, explains her actions, asserting that they were the culmination of long-standing marital and familial tensions.

    “I am not a mad woman. I have been going through a lot, and He’s a mummy’s boy, sister’s boy. I did what I did. Nobody can arrest me. I suffered with him,” Ella explained.

    “You have to ask what happened, don’t just look at the actions alone,” she urged viewers, adding that she felt compelled to act after arriving in Nigeria from Europe, where she had been silently enduring her struggles.

    “I have my reasons,” she said, stressing that her breaking point was reached after dealing with persistent family issues and her husband’s inability to stand up for her.

    “Is it when I die that you all will say that this woman didn’t speak up?” she asked.

    Joe Jeffery has yet to respond to the incident or his wife’s statements.

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned Mrs.  Jeffrey.

    Its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, in a statement, said: “Mallam Onilu said in furtherance of NOA national identity project campaign, especially as it relates to the national symbols, the agency will support moves by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to investigate and prosecute such breach in line with   section 10 (B) of the Immigration Act, 2015 as a deterrence to those who may willfully damage an important national symbol as the International Passport.’’

    “The International passport issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service is the property of the Federal government and no person who has the privilege of owning one should abuse or even damage them under whatever guise. What the lady has done is a grievous assault on our collective assets and a dent on the symbol of our identity as a nation.”

    He said:”Mallam Issa Onilu also appealed to citizens to continue to show respect for the National Symbols as part of our patriotic commitment to national development saying the NOA as the custodian of these symbols will continue to promote their use and integrity. “He however stressed that the incident calls for increased public enlightenment and awareness campaigns by all Nigerians on the National Symbols and the importance of it in the country.

    “The passport is one the core national symbols that are enshrined in the nation’s ordinance as a patriotic icon representing countries for which it derives its identity, especially among nations. “

  • FULL LIST: Switzerland, Ireland top list of passports in 2024

    FULL LIST: Switzerland, Ireland top list of passports in 2024

    Switzerland has topped the list of the most powerful passports in 2024 according to the Nomad Passport Index.

    The consulting firm, Nomad Capitalist, disclosed that factors responsible for the strength of passports include visa-free travel, taxation, global perception,ability to hold dual citizenship status, and personal freedom.

    The five criteria have a weighted index of Visa-free travel — 50%, Taxation — 20%, Global perception —10%, Ability to hold dual citizenship — 10%, Personal freedom (freedom of the press, mandatory military service, etc.) — 10%

    Here’s the list of the top 20 passports in 2024:

    1. Switzerland

    2. Ireland

    3. Portugal

    4. Luxembourg

    5. Finland

    6. UAE

    7. Netherlands

    8. Norway

    9. Germany

    10. New Zealand

    11. Iceland

    12. Italy

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    13. Greece

    14. Sweden

    15. Czech Republic

    16. Malta

    17. United Kingdom

    18. Belgium

    19. Denmark

    20. France

  • Nigerians in Spain groan over passport renewal

    Nigerians in Spain groan over passport renewal

    Nigerians living in Sevilla, Spain, are groaning over their inability to renew their international passports.

    Scores of them have applied for the renewal of the travel document since last July.

    The President of Nigeria Association in Sevilla, Fabian Uchenna Okolie, said over 1,000 Nigerians were involved.

    “Normally, every year, Immigration officials from Nigeria embassy in Madrid move around Spain for passport intervention. On July 21, 2023, they came to carry out passport intervention in Sevilla. Since then, we have been waiting; the passports have not been issued.

    “You know a passport is the most important document for anyone in a foreign land because without a passport, there is nothing you can do here.

    Read Also: Thousands demonstrate in Spain for arms embargo on Israel

    “For example, there are people that have applied for the renewal of their documents and, if they call you, you cannot go without your Nigerian passport. Even those who have applied before the passport expired cannot go for fingerprinting. We have all been stagnant.

    “When you call the embassy, they will tell you they are still waiting for the approval from Abuja to print the passports. I don’t know why the approval has not been given for them to print after an intervention for which we have paid over $100 each. This is a process that should not take more than a month, normally…”

    When contacted on the matter, President of Federation of Nigerian Citizens in Spain, Johnbosco Okeke, confirmed the development and blamed it on the Immigration Service.

    Efforts to get an official response from the Head of the Immigration at the Nigerian Embassy in Spain, Nnenna Onyeabor, were unsuccessful.

    Also, efforts to get Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to react to this development through his Special Assistant on Media, Femi Salako, or through the ministry’s Director of Media, Ozohia Imohimi, were unsuccessful last night.

  • FG explains new conditions for passport acquisition

    FG explains new conditions for passport acquisition

    The Federal Government designed the new templates for acquisition of passports to block non citizens from faking or acquiring the documents. 

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed this in Abuja, said passports remained a national identity and vital documents to all citizens and its sanctity should be well protected.

    According to him the new conditions/templates introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing passports were instituted to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.

    Dr Tunji-Ojo, who was fielding questions from reporters on the issue,  emphasised that  passport is a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.

    He explained that the new conditions would not only impede non-Nigerians from acquiring the passport but frustrate attempts to fake the document in view of its security features. 

    He lamented that foreigners have exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system to acquire the documents. 

    He however acknowledged challenges faced by  applicants for the new passport,  assuring the public of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.

    Read Also: NIS Comptroller-General clarifies contactless passport application

    Our correspondent gathered that new templates, especially the provision of a citizenship certificate, date of birth certificate and the National Identification Number (NIN) have become critical in verifying applicant’s true citizenship.

    Tunji-Ojo explained that the reforms were aimed at simplifying the passport acquisition process for Nigerians through facilitating speedy online application, production, and passport collection. 

    “We have to introduce this new system in order to stop those non-Nigerians carrying Nigerian passports. Contrary to reports, the new process is working very effectively and hiccups recorded is only 4 per cent, which is significant improvement for a system that is newly introduced and I assure you that in the next one or two weeks we will have near perfect system. 

    “We have to improve our process of obtaining passports because passport is a security document. This new system has improved accessibility, transparency and efficiency,” the Minister stated.

    “We are building a future for Nigerians where things should be done in a better way. We changed the price of five-year passport because the 10-year passport is N70, 000; so, the one for five years should be half of that amount, which is N35. 000. We are committed to making things better in our country,” the Minister added. 

  • Immigration processes over 30,000 passport applications

    Immigration processes over 30,000 passport applications

    The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, has disclosed that about 32,462 persons have applied for passports since the inception of the full automation system of application.

    The automated regime was kicked off on January 8, by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, launched the automated passport application process to expedite passport acquisition for Nigerians.

     The process include uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

     Adepoju while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, announced that the NIS  has successfully received 32, 462 applicants with the new automated system while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons.

    “I have here the data of the passport applications that have been successfully processed since the introduction of the new process from January 8, 2024. About 32, 462 persons have been successfully applied to upload their documents and make payments. Of this number, 16,113 application have been approved for biometric capture and production, 11,505 applicants await approval, while 3,400 applicants have made payment but yet to book appointment, these people did not complete the process, they should go back and complete the process, while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons, possibly the applicants did not upload their documents properly which is one of the major problem at the moment.”

    “We are going to help Nigerians achieve this process that has come to stay. We will send back the application, all they need to do is to complete it and pay adequate attention to the instructions and submit again for approval,” she said. 

    Adepoju urged Nigerians to cooperate with Nigeria Immigration Service to eradicate difficulties associated with passport processing in the country and the minister ensured every process was done perfectly.

    Shesaid: “We are determined to ensure we eradicate difficulties that are associated with passport processing in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, this process is not entirely new, the only thing that we have introduced is uploading of supporting documents which we believe in due time, everything will be perfected. All we want Nigerians to do is to be patient and pay adequate attention to the instructions given online during the process.”

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    “We want to assure you that the process is simple once it is followed as specified. It will be discovered that it is a much easier process to save time and cost for applicants. We are working hard to perfect it so that the processing can be smooth and steady for every Nigerian. We are ensuring that we are going to surmount every challenge in the new passport automation process that has come to stay in Nigeria, it will enable Nigerian applicants at home and abroad to find passport processing easier and more seamless.

    “I want to use this opportunity to plead with Nigerians to please bear with us. What we had discovered recently from our system is that applicants have not mastered the act of uploading valid documents at the appropriate channels as specified. There is a need for paying enough attention to the process. For example, we discovered that some applicants uploaded their birth certificate in the category of NIN number, in another category where applicants supposed to upload passport photography, some uploaded photography where their chin or head not properly shown, so when applicants understand the basic things of the process, it will be seamless and that is the only hitch in the whole process for now but we will continue to enlightening the public, we will also continue to ensure the best for every Nigerians by assisting at the appropriate time.”

    She also announced that the immigration service is working tirelessly to end the era of storing applicant passports in store for collection, stressing that immigration service is working with some service providers to ensure passports that are produced will be sent to applicants’ mailing addresses.

    “The era of storing applicant passports in stores will soon become a thing of the past, the Nigerian Immigration service is working with some service providers to ensure that passports that are produced are sent to the applicant mailing address.”

  • Over 30,000 passport applicants successful, says Immigration Comptroller General

    Over 30,000 passport applicants successful, says Immigration Comptroller General

    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, has disclosed that about 32,462 persons have successfully applied for passports since the inception of the full automation system of application.

    The automated regime was flagged off on January 8, 2024, by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, launched the automated passport application process to expedite passport acquisition for Nigerians.

     The process includes: uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

     Adepoju while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, announced that the NIS has successfully received 32, 462 applicants with the new automated system while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons.

    She said: “I have here the data of the passport applications that have been successfully processed since the introduction of the new process from 8th January 2024. About 32, 462 persons have successfully applied to upload their documents and make payments.

    “Of this number, 16,113 applications have been approved for biometric capture and production, 11,505 applicants await approval, while 3,400 applicants have made the payment but have yet to book an appointment, these people did not complete the process, they should go back and complete the process, while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons, possibly the applicants did not upload their documents properly which is one of the major problems at the moment.”

    Read Also: Minister inaugurates training of Immigration personnel on automated passports

    “We are going to help Nigerians achieve this process that has come to stay. We will send back the application, all they need to do is to complete it and pay adequate attention to the instructions, and submit it again for approval. 

    Adepoju urged Nigerians to cooperate with the Nigeria Immigration Service to eradicate difficulties associated with passport processing in the country and the minister ensured every process was done perfectly.

    She added: “We are determined to ensure we eradicate difficulties that are associated with passport processing in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, this process is not entirely new, the only thing that we have introduced is uploading of supporting documents which we believe in due time, everything will be perfected. All we want Nigerians to do is to be patient and pay adequate attention to the instructions given online during the process.”

    “We want to assure you that the process is simple once it is followed as specified. It will be discovered that it is a much easier process to save time and cost for applicants. We are working hard to perfect it so that the processing can be smooth and steady for every Nigerian. We are ensuring that we are going to surmount every challenge in the new passport automation process that has come to stay in Nigeria, it will enable Nigerian applicants at home and abroad to find passport processing easier and more seamless.

    “I want to use this opportunity to plead with Nigerians to please bear with us. What we had discovered recently from our system is that applicants have not mastered the act of uploading valid documents at the appropriate channels as specified. There is a need to pay enough attention to the process. For example, we discovered that some applicants uploaded their birth certificate in the category of NIN number, in another category where applicants were supposed to upload passport photography, and some uploaded photography where their chin or head was not properly shown, so when applicants understand the basic things of the process, it will be seamless and that is the only hitch in the whole process for now but we will continue to enlighten the public, we will also continue to ensure the best for every Nigerians by assisting at the appropriate time.”

    She also announced that the immigration service is working tirelessly to end the era of storing applicant passports in store for collection, stressing that the immigration service is working with some service providers to ensure passports that are produced will be sent to applicants’ mailing addresses.

    “The era of storing applicant passports in stores will soon become a thing of the past, the Nigerian Immigration Service is working with some service providers to ensure that passports that are produced are sent to the applicant’s mailing address.”

  • Activation of automated passport application excites Nigerians

    Activation of automated passport application excites Nigerians

    • It’ll revolutionise process, says minister

    There was excitement yesterday over the activation of the automated passports portal by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

    Nigerians hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing what they say would fast-track the processing of applications for passports.

    Those who reacted described the innovative online passports portal as a deserved benefit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    Last year, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave a January 8 date for the launch of automated passport application process.

    Spokesman of the NIS, Dr. Dotun Aridegbe, gave an insight into the preparation to keep to the launch date.

    He said: “As of Sunday, January 7, 2024, some of the NIS personnel were still undergoing intensive training programmes at the Service Headquarters and other designated places.”

    Tunji-Ojo gave the credit to the visionary leadership of the President and the support he give to keep to the promise.

    The minister expressed confidence that the online passports portal would drastically reduce contacts between applicants and immigration officers.

    He said: “It will revolutionise the process of obtaining passports. This project is a success today because of the vision, support and enabling environment created by the President.

    “I make bold to say that the credit goes to President Tinubu because nothing could have been achieved without his support, encouragement and visionary leadership.

    “I am indeed grateful to the father of our nation for his trust and confidence in my ability. Notwithstanding the project’s success, we have only been inspired to do more and continually justify the confidence reposed in us by the president.”

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    According to him, the portal would speed up the  process of obtaining new passports by Nigerians in any part of the world.

    “The initiative will bring relief to all Nigerians desiring to obtain the nation’s passport. The portal has undoubtedly ended the long waiting period for passports issuance. It has also ended the cycle of daily wastage of man-hour by passports applicants,” Tunji Ojo said.

    During the training of personnel, the minister dropped the hint that the online passport application platform was established for both international and Nigerian applicants.

    He said the process, which would involve uploading of passport photos and supporting documents online, would not only reduce human interactions, but eliminate sharp practices.

    Tunji-Ojo explained that Nigerian applicants who want 32-page passports with five-year validity would pay N25, 000, while those applying for 64-page passports with a 10-year validity would pay N70, 000.

    Foreign applicants seeking 32-page passports with a five-year validity period would pay $130. Sixty-four-page passports with a 10-year validity period will cost $230.

    The NIS urged candidates to apply and submit their applications at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.

    The applicants are also expected to follow the five steps as contained in the portal to complete the seamless application processes.