Passport crisis: FG deploys printers to Nigerian consulate in New York, Atlanta offices

This decision comes after several complaints from Nigerian citizens residing in the United States, who have faced significant delays in processing their passports due to faulty or insufficient printing equipment, a statement signed by Alao Babatunde Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity said on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the importance of resolving the matter quickly, citing the urgent need to restore smooth operations at these key diplomatic missions.

According to the Ministry, the new printers are ready for installation and will be operational soon.

Beyond this immediate fix, the Minister outlined a broader strategy for a more sustainable solution. This includes the activation of a new Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, which is expected to begin operations in the coming weeks.

This center will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of passport production across the country. Furthermore, the Minister hinted at the expansion of the already-deployed contactless passport application system, which is currently available in Canada, to more countries worldwide. This long-term initiative aims to streamline the passport application process, making it easier and faster for Nigerians to apply for and receive their passports, both at home and abroad.

Tunji-Ojo also reassured the public that the Ministry of Interior, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to modernizing and improving the country’s immigration services. The ministry has already introduced end-to-end automation for passport applications, which is expected to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and enhance user experience.

Additionally, the contactless application system, which was initially launched in Canada, is now set to expand further as part of the ongoing reform efforts.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), along with partner organizations, had been vocal about the inefficiencies plaguing Nigeria’s passport services in the United States.

The OAN criticized the reasoning as illogical and indicative of poor strategic and informed decision-making. They highlighted that the New York Consulate, which serves the largest population of Nigerians in the U.S., has been significantly neglected.