The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has enhanced its passport application process by introducing the 'Produced' feature. This new addition aims to inform applicants when their international passports are ready for collection, thereby improving the tracking process for Nigerians.
In an announcement made on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the Immigration Service highlighted that this development comes at a time when a significant number of produced passports remain uncollected, leading to applicant complaints.
The statement read in part: "The new addition, tagged 'PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)', includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection."
Previously, the contactless passport application process included a tracking page that allowed applicants to monitor the progress of their applications. This page featured several stages: 'Paid' – 'Application Sent' – 'Application Received' – 'Ready for Enrollment' – 'NIN Verification' – 'Production Queue' – 'Passport Issuance.'
The newly integrated 'Produced' status specifically assists applicants in knowing whether their passports have been manufactured and are awaiting physical collection or have been produced but not yet delivered via courier services.
The contactless passport booking process is an initiative by the Nigerian government designed to streamline and simplify passport bookings. On January 8, 2024, the Nigerian Immigration Service, under the purview of the Ministry of Interior, launched Nigeria's inaugural online application portal for international passports.
This portal empowers citizens, both within Nigeria and abroad, to schedule appointments, complete payments, and secure dates for biometric capture from their preferred locations.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to expedite the Nigerian passport collection process, ensure robust verification procedures, and establish a fully automated system for passport applications nationwide.
Concerns Raised Over Immigration Service's 'Contactless' Initiative
The introduction of the new 'Produced' feature emerges amidst recent criticism directed at the Immigration Service concerning delays in passport production following applications.
Fisayo Soyombo, the Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), voiced a similar concern on his X account on Tuesday. He expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in passport production, noting that he had applied for a renewal six months prior and had yet to receive any notification regarding the availability of his passport.
In response to Soyombo's post, other users suggested that his passport might already be ready but not yet reflected on the tracking portal. Several X users encouraged him to visit the Immigration office directly to collect his passport.
One user commented, "Hello Fisayo, while the portal may show this, try visiting the centre of capture. You will be amazed to find the passport there."
Soyombo, in turn, questioned the validity of the 'contactless' claims for the passport process. He argued that the new system should ideally include the delivery of his passport to the designated courier service.
He further stated, "Efficacy of NEW system, but said new system requires me to try the OLD system of visiting their office without prior guarantee of the readiness of my passport. Effing efficacy!"
Responding to Soyombo's complaint, the Immigration Service clarified that his passport had indeed been produced and was ready for delivery. The service acknowledged that the passport application process has recently encountered challenges, including security checks, technical glitches, and other unforeseen factors.
The NIS stated, "We wish to clarify that the passport in question has already been produced and is ready for delivery."
"So far, passport applicants have enjoyed the 2-3 weeks passport processing time with millions produced up to date. This process has been affected by various factors, including incomplete applications, security checks or technical glitches, etc., some of which have caused delays which are not uncommon with systems around the world," the service added.