MARGARET CHIDERA
In its ongoing commitment to streamline passport processing and acquisition for Nigerians residing in the diaspora, the Federal Government has unveiled additional enhanced e-Passport facilities at select Nigerian Embassies in Europe.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service, Aridegbe Adedotun, the facilities were inaugurated at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In his address during the inauguration, the Minister emphasized the dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to citizens’ diplomacy and the enhancement of services to the diaspora community.
The Minister, represented by the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Adepoju, announced the phased rollout of the enhanced e-Passport in Europe.
The statement noted that the phase one, which includes Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, was officially introduced in Rome on Monday, while phase two is scheduled to be implemented by the end of the week.
He said the e-Passport complies with all standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), positioning Nigeria as the first country in Africa and the fifth worldwide to embrace this technological achievement. This accomplishment has garnered high regard from the international community.
Adepoju highlighted that the enhanced e-Passport will significantly reduce processing delays in Europe, provided applicants adhere 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).
She added that 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)
Furthermore, she 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 our Contact Center on; 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092.
