Caroline Adepoju, Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), declared a state of emergency on passport issues in the country on Friday.
During a working visit to Lagos, Adepoju stated that there was an urgent need to address the difficulties Nigerians face in obtaining international passports.
According to a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Tony Akuneme, the acting CGI inaugurated a cutting-edge Visa-on-Arrival Lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The NIS chief used the occasion to announce a comprehensive plan of action to effectively address the issues.
She said that the facility demonstrated the NIS’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.
According to her, the state of emergency declaration on Passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolve the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports, NAN reports.
“It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, “she said.
Adepoju directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units and personnel, including Missions abroad, to eliminate all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly.
“NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application and issuance process.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the service as it takes decisive steps to address the Passport crisis,” she said.