The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has carried out an unannounced inspection of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where he expressed strong dissatisfaction over delays in passport processing.
During the visit on Tuesday, the minister toured the VIP and Children sections of the office and questioned officials on why applicants were still waiting long hours after operations were expected to begin. He also interacted directly with applicants to hear their complaints.
Tunji-Ojo warned Nigerians not to pay any extra charges outside the official passport fees, stressing that applicants had already paid fully for the service. He cautioned immigration officers against collecting money for things like diesel or paper, insisting that such practices would not be tolerated.
“I don’t want to hear that you are collecting money for diesel or paper. Nigerians have paid for their passports completely. Serve them diligently,” he said.
The minister expressed disappointment that only a few people had been attended to several hours after opening, despite the section being meant for fast-track services. He emphasized that efficiency was the responsibility of the service and that applicants should not be kept waiting unnecessarily.
His visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and end sharp practices within passport offices across the country.
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