The Nigerian Immigration Service on Tuesday announced that it has cleared the 204, 332 passport backlogs in the agency.
This comes following the directives issued by the minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo upon his assumption of office that the agency should ensure that all the backlogs of uncleared passports are resolved within two weeks.
Giving an update of the directives, the ministry stated that all backlogs have been cleared.
In a statement issued through its official website, this was confirmed by the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Dotun Aridegbe.
“The days of passports backlog are now over.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had given the Nigeria Immigration Service two weeks to clear the over 200,000 pending passport applications before it.
“The minister gave the order during a meeting with the Acting Comptroller-General of NIS, Caroline Adepoju, immediately he assumed duty in Abuja.
“The meeting where the order was given was also attended by Managing-Director, Iris Smart Technologies, Mr Yinka Fisher, the firm in charge of the production of Nigerian passport booklets.
“The minister had said the order was in fulfillment of his promise to remove all bottlenecks in the acquisition of Nigerian passport and other immigration documents.
“In fulfilment of the minister’s order, the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Carol Adepoju Wura-Ola, had activated full-scale implementation team of NIS hierarchy, which recorded tremendous success.
“Please help us tell applicants whose passports are lying in various passports offices across the country to go and collect their passports. We are working round the clock to make applicants happy.” He said.
While reacting to the development, a tweep identified as @Daddy DO stated,”Once again, Hon Tunji Ojo has demonstrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s talent for recognizing and nurturing exceptional abilities during his term as Minister of Interior.
“Clearing a backlog of more than 200,000 passports within just six weeks of assuming office is a commendable feat, and we are exceptionally proud of this accomplishment.
“Where there is determination, there is a solution.All members of the progressive community are thrilled with your exemplary performance, @BTOofficial”
Another Tweep, @Akin Olaoye, tweeted,”Today’s flowers go to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for cracking that horse whip and freeing Nigerians from the bondage of those wicked immigration personnel at the passport offices.
“Lord knows how many Nigerians died waiting for their passports in the last decade. Your political party affiliation couldn’t save you from these monsters, still praying for a Nigeria where every agency functions efficiently and corruption free.”
While @Ayekooto tweeted,”Maximum Respect to the newly appointed Minister of Interior Olubunmi Ojo. History will note this on your behalf”.
