Nigeria has launched its Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, following a successful implementation in Canada just days ago.
This new initiative allows Nigerians living in Europe to renew their passports entirely online, eliminating the need for physical presence and long waiting times.
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, expressed his excitement at the launch, highlighting the system’s ability to improve efficiency and accessibility for Nigerians in the diaspora.
He stated, “Today marks yet another pivotal moment in our commitment to streamline and enhance the efficiency of government services for Nigerians both at home and abroad in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.”
He further emphasized that this system was designed to remove the traditional hurdles faced during passport renewals.
“Now, eligible Nigerians in Europe can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices,” Tunji-Ojo added.
The new system, which has already been successfully tested in Canada, promises to reduce the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times.
“This initiative not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) directly to your digital doorstep,” said the Minister.
The launch also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to modernization and digital transformation. “This initiative further underscores our dedication to: Efficiency, Accessibility, and Modernization,” Tunji-Ojo remarked.
“We are embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens, in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the $1 trillion economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
In addition, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the Nigerian diaspora to the country’s development. “The Nigerian diaspora is an integral part of our national fabric, which contributes immensely to our development.
Hence, it is our duty to ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.”
Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to transparency and security. “We will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all our operations,” he stated.
“This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.”
The Minister concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future: “We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernize and humanize government services.”
