By Tayo Omoluwabi
A common refrain amongst Nigerians years ago was “Nigerian passport is a right and not a privilege “for those who can afford it”. The question that has been begging for an answer over the years is, has this been the issue from time immemorial? The answer rightfully is No. What could be the issue, is the matter this piece intends to interrogate.
Going down memory lane, we have keenly observed that to apply and getting the Nigerian passport is like forcing the camel to pass through the eye of a needle because of its rigorous, time-consuming and archaic nature. This is why many Nigerians have lost interest and trust in the Nigerian passport application process because passports were being delayed for reasons we didn’t know.
However, there seems to be a silver lining on the horizon as Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior, has since assumed office showed competence and capability given the innovation and reforms he’s brought onboard, especially with regards to the Nigerian passport.
Mr. Tunji-Ojo is coming into the picture as a man who understands the frustrations Nigerians go through in their quest to either get or renew their passports. He believes his appointment is not only for the elites or influential, but also for all Nigerians. Little wonder his appointment was hailed by many, including those in the opposition. They described his appointment as a round peg in a round hole.
The Minister came into office with the mindset of “No room for excuses, the work must be done” and upon assumption of duties as the Minister of Interior, he made sure he cleared a total of 204,332 passport backlogs across all passport offices which he said it’s just a starting point if we must get it right.
Most Nigerians both home and abroad can’t stop talking about the transformation of the Nigeria Immigration Service and it’s novel approach to issuance of passports. The Minister has asked Nigerians to ride with him on this Renewed Hope journey to enjoy the things that will be achieved but it can’t be possible without the support of Nigerians.
He guaranteed Nigerians that work is in progress for full automation of the Nigerian passport whereby Nigerians can renew and get their passport delivered to them in their homes and offices. Also in the works, is the localization of the production of the international passport is in top gear, probing of Immigration officers who intend to hinder the smooth application and delivery of the Nigeria passport and also the unveiling of e-passport facilities to simplify passport obtaining processes. These are some of the many work in progress.
Some X users have applauded the Immigration office and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on what he is doing with the Nigerian passport and other reforms since his appointment by President Tinubu.
@stonez_02: With the former Minister of Interior, one would think the Ministry of Interior is all about announcing public holidays but Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo brought the ministry to a whole new level. He is one of the appointment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu got right.
@Scents_of_snow: I think Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the shining star in Tinubu’s administration. The work he’s done with the Nigeria Immigration is extraordinary.
@Olufunmilayo27: My capturing was stress-free today at Headquarter Sauka Abuja and officers were really amazing.
Now the big question is “What Next, Is the Honorable Minister of Interior done with these transformations? The answer is no. While the projects are ongoing and the progress made so far commendable, all these are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Indeed, good times are here, as Tunji-Ojo is committed to sanitizing the processes and procedures for acquiring the Nigerian passport. Frankly speaking, there’s a new sheriff in town.
Tayo Omoluwabi writes from Abuja
