We Will Clear Backlog Of Passport Application- Minister
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola says he is committed to
clearing the backlog of Passport applications and issuance latest May
31st, emphasising that the Nigerian Passport is the strongest
instrument of Sovereignty, Nationality and Citizenship.
Diaspora Commission Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Management Staff of the
Commission in Abuja.
Mr Aregbesola explained that the Ministry of Interior has introduced
sweeping reforms as it concerns passport application and issuance. He
stressed that a regime of not more than 72 Hours Express Passport
Processing is underway.
According to the Minister, “whoever holds a Nigerian Passport is a
bonafide Citizen who must be treated with dignity and respect”.
On Managed Migration, the Interior Minister promised to work with
strategic agencies to see that Migration is profitable to the migrant
and to the country of stay and homeland.
The Minister also applauded NIDCOM for her giant strides so far
describing the Commission as,”a veritable tool for strong and worthy
engagement with the Nigerian Diaspora.”
On the issue of historic African diaspora whose forefathers were taken
away as slaves , and who had done their DNA which identified them as
Nigerians and who are requesting Nigerian citizenship , the Minister
said the issue would be looked at wholistically.
On her part, the Chairman/CEO NIDCOM Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended
the Minister’s effort in making the passport application and issuance
seamless as well as the Ten Year Validity period as first of its kind in
Nigeria.The NIDCOM Boss said, “this is cheering news for Nigerians in
the Diaspora as they need not bother to renew their passport for ten
years”.
She said the Covid 19 restrictions which hampered issuance of passports
to Nigerians abroad affected a lot of them in different ways and
commended the Ministry for measures taken to clear the backlog
While informing the minister of the setting up of Diaspora focal offices
in 33 states of the federation.
The NIDCOM Boss also sought the participation of the Ministry in some
programs and engagements with Nigerians in the Diaspora which include:
National Diaspora Day Celebrations, Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit,
Quarterly Diaspora Lecture Series, among others.
