The Federal government has introduced enhanced e-passport facilities at selected Nigerian Embassies across several European countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, officially launched these facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome. According to a statement from Dr. Adedotun Aridegbe, the Service Public Relations Officer, this initiative is aimed at simplifying the passport application process for Nigerians living abroad.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to fostering citizen diplomacy and improving services for the diaspora community. The Interior Minister, represented by Acting Comptroller General Caroline Adepoju, announced a phased rollout of the enhanced e-Passport in Europe. Phase one, covering Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, was inaugurated in Rome, with phase two set to be implemented by the end of the week.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the e-Passport complies with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), making Nigeria the first African country and the fifth globally to embrace this technological achievement. This accomplishment has received significant recognition from the international community.
The enhanced e-Passport is expected to reduce processing delays in Europe, provided applicants follow the application guidelines, including using the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring the synchronization of their passport application data with their National Identification Number (NIN).
The e-Passport offers three categories: a 32-page five-year validity category, a 64-page five-year validity category, and a 64-page ten-year validity category (for adults only). Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged applicants with concerns to use the following channels for resolution: Twitter: @nigimmigration, the website www.immigration.gov.ng to interact with the virtual assistant, and the Contact Center at 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092.
The event was attended by senior officials of the High Commission, a diverse representation of Nigerians in Italy, and members of the diplomatic community.