Japa: We Issued 2.1m Passports In 2023 – Immigration

• The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued a record 2,141,300 passports in 2023, with the “JAPA syndrome” contributing significantly
• Controller-General Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju highlighted the positive impact of automating the passport process, improving efficiency and reducing wait times

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revealed on Tuesday that it issued a total of 2,141,300 passports in the year 2023.

Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, the Controller-General of NIS, made this disclosure during a diaspora virtual lecture series hosted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), with the theme “New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora Confirmation.”

Adepoju highlighted that the “JAPA syndrome” significantly contributed to the surge in passport applications, resulting in an unprecedented increase in issuance. While 1.3 million passports were issued in 2021 and 1.5 million in 2022, representing a 50 per cent rise, the number spiked to over 100 per cent in 2023, with 2,141,300 passports issued.

She emphasized the positive impact of automating the passport process, which reduces human interaction with immigration officers, making it a significant improvement for applicants. Since the automation went live the previous month, over 100,000 applications were received online, with more than 80 percent processed smoothly.

Adepoju further noted that streamlining the passport process would alleviate the strain on NIS facilities nationwide, where applicants, including children and vulnerable individuals, often endure long waits for capture.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, assured Nigerians in the Diaspora of a seamless passport acquisition process, heralding an era of Renewed Hope and improved service delivery from the immigration service.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, commended the Minister and the CGI for the significant achievements within a short period. She reiterated that the lecture aimed to educate Nigerians in the Diaspora about automating the passport process, ensuring transparency and efficiency.