Nigerians In Canada Commend Minister, NIS, Over Passport Intervention
Nigerians in Canada have commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, NiDCOM and the Nigeria Immigration Service for the successful completion of the NiDEC Passport Intervention Programme, which captured 2,233 applicants across five Canadian provinces.
The intervention, held as part of the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) in Toronto, ran from August 12 to September 4, 2026, taking passport services directly to Nigerian communities in Toronto, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatoon and Calgary.
The exercise was delivered through the collaboration of the Ministry of Interior, NiDCOM, the Nigerian High Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Canadian Association Council of Presidents (NCACP) and local Nigerian Canadian Associations.
Beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the turnaround time, with several reporting receipt of their passports within four to seven days of biometric capture.
An applicant in Manitoba, who received her passport within a week of her biometric capture, appreciated all officials involved for their dedication, describing the process as evidence of a committed community structure.
Another beneficiary reported receiving the passport within four days and described the exercise as well planned, organised and efficient.
Stakeholders representing the Nigerian community said the intervention demonstrated the impact of responsive public service and strengthened the relationship between the Nigerian Government and Nigerians in the Diaspora.
They particularly commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for deploying officers across the five locations and working under demanding schedules, including weekends, to ensure that applicants received the required services.
The Nigerian Canadian Association Council of Presidents also recognised the roles of NiDCOM and the Nigeria Immigration Service in coordinating the exercise, noting that the partnership between government institutions and diaspora organisations enabled the multi-city intervention to be delivered as a coordinated national effort.
Community leaders have consequently appealed to the Federal Government, through the Minister of Interior, to consider a second phase of the programme to accommodate Nigerians in Canada who could not benefit from the first phase.
