By The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will no longer process new passport applications in all passport offices nationwide following the directive of the Minister of Interior with effect from Monday, May 17, 2021.
This was contained in an internal circular of the agency signed by the Deputy Comptroller-General (PTD), A. B. Yarima.
The letter reads in part: “I am directed to convey to you the directive of the Honourable Minister of Interior on the suspension of processing of New Passport Applications in all passport offices nationwide.
“This directive, which comes into effect from today 17th May 2021 has become necessary to allow enough time to clear all backlog of applications sequel to the commencement of the new passport regime on 1st June, 2021.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, all PCOS are therefore directed to utilize this period, 17th May, 2021 to 31st May, 2021 to ensure that all backlogs are produced and handed over to Command Comptrollers for collection by members of the public concerned.
“Accordingly, new application for passports, whether fresh or renewal are by this circular suspended till 1 June, 2021.”
Meanwhile the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammadu Babandede, has also written to the Managing Director of Newworks Solution & Investment Limited to “block all payments for local application of passports within Nigeria as from today, 17th to 31st May, 2021.”
Recall the NIS had introduced new passport application policy, insisting that all current passport backlogs must be issued on or before May 31, 2021 and those with issues with their application would be contacted.
