The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued no fewer than 1,836,533 passports and repatriated 828 foreigners between January and December 2024. This was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a media parley and interactive session in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo detailed the ministry’s achievements during the year, including clearing a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications, rescuing 137 victims of human trafficking, and intercepting 42 cases of migrant smuggling.
In a significant stride toward border security, the ministry completed the first phase of the e-border solution, covering 40% of the country’s borders. Newly acquired vehicles and electronic gates have also been deployed to enhance border management. “A secured border ensures a safe nation,” the minister emphasized.
The minister highlighted advancements in visa processing, including the establishment of a Visa Approval Center in Abuja and the integration of Interpol’s database to screen applicants. These measures ensure that only eligible individuals enter the country while bolstering national security.
He also addressed reforms in the process of granting Nigerian citizenship, which now involves a rigorous verification system in collaboration with security agencies. “Becoming a Nigerian citizen today is a more transparent and technology-driven process, ensuring integrity without unnecessary bureaucracy,” he stated.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology and improving operational efficiency 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.
The minister attributed these achievements to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a secure and efficient system. “Nigerians deserve a system that works for them,” he noted, adding that the administration’s reforms are yielding positive results across the six agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
The agencies 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 Board (CDCFIB).
The detailed report underscores the ministry’s efforts to address challenges, improve service delivery, and secure Nigeria’s borders in 2024.
