The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced upgraded e-passport services at specific Nigerian Embassies in Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland, aimed at enhancing passport processing efficiency for Nigerians living abroad.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, inaugurated the new facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, emphasizing the government’s commitment to citizen diplomacy and improving services for the diaspora community, as articulated by President Bola Tinubu.
The Interior Minister, represented by Acting Comptroller General Caroline Adepoju, announced the phased rollout of the enhanced e-Passport in Europe.
The first phase includes the mentioned countries, with Italy as the launch location, while the second phase is scheduled for implementation by the week’s end.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the upgraded e-Passport would significantly reduce processing delays in Europe, provided that applicants adhere strictly to application guidelines.
He stressed the importance of using the online application and payment platform on passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring that passport application data is synchronized with the National Identification Number (NIN).
The enhanced e-Passport now offers three categories: a 32-page five-year validity category, a 64-page five-year validity category, and a 64-page ten-year validity category for adults.