Senate Backs NIS Passport Production Centralisation, Says it will Strengthen Security, End Alleged Extortion
• NIS Explains Central facility produces 1,000 passports hourly, Says Kano migration not targeted at North • Kawu after Senate fact-finding visit clarifies new system will eliminate delays, corruption •
The Nigeria Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has endorsed the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) centralised passport production system, stating it will strengthen national security, eliminate extortion and improve efficiency. Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano Central, visited the NIS headquarters after constituents raised concerns about relocation of passport production from Kano and other Northern Nigeria locations to Abuja.
The Senator said after witnessing the new system, he is convinced it is aimed at strengthening the integrity and security of Nigerian passports while aligning passport administration with international best practices. Kawu highlighted the centralised system as a decisive departure from the old regime associated with delays, corruption, and irregularities, and stressed the importance of central control over passport production in view of Nigeria's security challenges and criminal activities.
The Nigeria Immigration Service explained that the reform began in 2024 after a comprehensive assessment of the existing system to identify weaknesses, and the new centralised workflow aims to monitor the entire production process, apply uniform standards, and reduce opportunities for touts and corrupt intermediaries to exploit applicants.
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