The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deploy new passport printers to the Nigerian Consulates in Atlanta and New York, USA, to address challenges faced by Nigerians in accessing consular services.
This decision follows a petition submitted by a group of Nigerians in the Diaspora, highlighting difficulties in obtaining passports and other services at the two consulates.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister confirmed receipt of the petition and announced immediate steps to resolve the issue.
“The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, has acknowledged receipt of a petition appealing for passport printers in the Atlanta and New York Consulates,” the statement read. “In response, the minister has approved and directed the NIS to deploy new printers to these passport offices. These printers are ready for installation, providing a short-term solution to the current challenges.”
The minister also revealed ongoing efforts to implement a long-term solution to improve the passport issuance process. This includes the activation of a Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, set to begin operations in the coming weeks, and the expansion of the contactless passport application system to more countries.
Under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, the Ministry of Interior is focused on modernizing services, including the automation of passport applications and the rollout of a contactless process, already launched in Canada.
“The government of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to delivering #RenewedHope through innovation and convenience while strengthening national security,” the statement added.