NiDCOM commends interior ministry over improved passport application process

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his team for the recent innovations in the passport application and collection processes.

The ministry has launched a contactless passport application process which it says aims to improve efficiency for Nigerians abroad.

The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the ministry’s efforts, stating that Nigerians in the Diaspora are excited about the changes, according to a statement issued on Friday by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the agency.

“Nigerians abroad have long anticipated improvements in accessing passport services,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

“This revolution in the application and collection process is a much-needed change that will ease the burden on our citizens globally.”

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s readiness to support these reforms through advocacy and sensitisation, adding: “Advocacy is at the heart of NiDCOM’s work.

“We are prepared to collaborate fully with the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that Nigerians in the Diaspora are well informed about these developments, and continue to be a bridge between Nigeria and its Diaspora.”

In response, Tunji-Ojo underscored the ministry’s commitment to working closely with NiDCOM and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He stressed the need for a structured partnership through a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“Our goal is to ensure effective communication and engagement with Nigerians abroad. We are looking forward to a strong collaboration, particularly in advocacy and sensitisation, to make these reforms successful,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

The statement lists the benefits of the contactless biometrics innovation to include the elimination of long flight hours, saving of hotel reservation costs, prevention of work absenteeism, among others.

The contactless option is available for renewals and for persons above 18 years of age, the statement said, adding that it kicked off on Friday in Canada, and will begin on November 15 in the United States of America, and December 1 in all other countries.