Nigerian Immigration adds ‘Produced’ feature to passport application after alleged delay in production

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has added the ‘Produced’ feature to the passport application process, informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection. The feature aims to aid the international passport application tracking process for Nigerians. 

In a disclosure made via its X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday, the Immigration Service noted that the new development comes as hundreds of passports produced remain uncollected, resulting in complaints from applicants. 

“The new addition, tagged “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection,” part of the statement reads. 

Previously, the contactless passport application process embodied a tracking page where applicants could monitor the progress of their application. It has features including ‘Paid’ – ‘Application Sent’ – ‘Application Received’ – ‘Ready for Enrollment’ – ‘NIN Verification’ – ‘Production Queue’ – ‘Passport Issuance.’

The latest addition, ‘Produced’, helps applicants stay informed on whether their passports have been produced and are awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery).

The contactless passport booking process is an attempt by the Nigerian government to facilitate a seamless passport booking process. On January 8, 2024, the Nigerian Immigration Service, under the guidance of the Ministry of Interior, launched Nigeria’s first-ever online application portal for international passports. 

The portal enables citizens at home and in the diaspora to book appointments, make payments, and get a date for a biometric from their comfort zones.

The initiative is part of the process to accelerate the Nigerian passport collection process, ensure a proper verification process, and ensure a fully automated system of passport application in the country.

Also Read: A complete guide on applying for the Nigerian International Passport online.

Nigerian Immigration Services’ ‘contactless’ initiative comes under question 

The new feature comes amid a recent backlash against the Immigration Service over the delay in the production of passports after application. 

The Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Founder, Fisayo Soyombo, made a similar complaint on Tuesday via his X account. He berated the delay in the passport production process after he applied for renewal six months ago and yet to receive a notification of his passport’s availability. 

Shared image of Fisayo Soyombo’s Passport Application Tracking Status (IM: Fisayo Soyombo)

Amid this, reactions noted that his passport is probably ready but has yet to reflect on the tracking portal. X users encouraged him to pay a visit to the Immigration office to pick up his passport.

“Hello Fisayo, while the portal may show this, try visiting the centre of capture. You will be amazed to find the passport there,” an X user said. 

In response, Fisayo questioned the passport contactless claims, noting that the new process should capture the delivery of his passport to the designated courier destination. 

“Efficacy of NEW system”, but said new system requires me to try the OLD system of visiting their office without prior guarantee of the readiness of my passport. Effing efficacy!” he added.

Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap

In response to Fisayo’s complaint, the Immigration Service explained that his passport is ready. It noted that the passport application process has recently faced issues such as security checks, technical glitches and other uncontrolled factors. 

“We wish to clarify that the passport in question has already been produced and is ready for delivery.”

“So far, passport applicants have enjoyed the 2-3 weeks passport processing time with millions produced up to date. This process has been affected by various factors, including incomplete applications, security checks or technical glitches, etc., some of which have caused delays which are not uncommon with systems around the world,” it said. 

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