At least, 1,836,533 passports were issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in 2024, while 828 foreigners were repatriated within the same period.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this on Tuesday.
Speaking during a media parley and interactive session with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, the minister outlined major achievements recorded between January and December 2024.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications was cleared within the period under review.
He added that 137 human trafficking victims were rescued and 42 objects related to migrant smuggling were intercepted.
On border security, the minister announced the completion of the first phase of the e-border solution, which now covers 40 per cent of Nigeria’s borders.
He stated that newly acquired vehicles and electronic gates (e-gates) have also been deployed to strengthen border management.
“A secured border ensures a safe nation,” he said while emphasising the government’s commitment to modernise border control and security.
On visa processing, the minister highlighted innovations such as the establishment of a Visa Approval Center in Abuja and the integration of Interpol’s database to profile visa applicants.
“These measures ensure that only eligible individuals gain entry into Nigeria, thereby strengthening national security,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo also spoke about reforms in granting Nigerian citizenship, which now involve a rigorous, technology-driven verification process in collaboration with security agencies.
“Becoming a Nigerian citizen today is more transparent, ensuring integrity without unnecessary bureaucracy,” he explained.
The minister pledged continued reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and leveraging technology to meet national security and administrative goals.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but progress has been made, and we remain committed to delivering better services to Nigerians,” he said, adding that the ministry is focused on realizing President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a secure, innovative, and efficient system.
The agencies under the Ministry of Interior include the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s dedication to building a system that prioritises the needs of Nigerians, saying, “Nigerians deserve a system that works for them.”
NIS Issued 1.8 Million Passports In 2024 — Tunji-Ojo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
