NIS Raises Daily Passport Production from 300 to 5,000 – A Game-Changer for Nigerians

According to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the previous decentralised system relied on outdated machines that could only process 250 to 300 passports per day. The new centralised system, however, enables the NIS to process between 4,500 and 5,000 passports daily—delivering results in just four to five hours of operation. This shift to a centralised model aligns Nigeria with global standards adopted by developed nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

The Minister described this reform as a “game-changer” that will not only improve efficiency but also restore public confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver essential services effectively. “We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week. Automation and optimisation are crucial for keeping this promise to Nigerians,” he noted.

This initiative eliminates delays caused by decentralisation, improves uniformity in passport issuance, and enhances the integrity of Nigerian travel documents worldwide. By embracing cutting-edge technology and a streamlined process, Nigeria is setting a new benchmark for passport production efficiency on the African continent.

Under this centralised model, applicants can expect quicker processing times, improved security features, and better accountability. This is a significant step toward reducing fraud, ensuring data accuracy, and creating a seamless experience for citizens both at home and abroad.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo attributed the success of the centralisation initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This reform is a cornerstone of the administration’s drive to strengthen public service delivery and rebuild trust in government institutions. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, the government aims to create a passport system Nigerians can be proud of—one that meets international standards and upholds national integrity.

“This development is about driving efficiency and building a passport system Nigerians can be proud of,” the Minister stated. “It is about restoring faith in public institutions and demonstrating that Nigeria can deliver services that rival those of developed nations.”

The expansion of passport production capacity has immediate and far-reaching benefits for Nigerian citizens. With a capacity of up to 5,000 passports per day, backlogs will be significantly reduced, and applicants will enjoy faster turnaround times. The goal is to move from a two-week delivery timeline to one week, and eventually, same-day service for urgent cases.

This improvement is expected to particularly benefit Nigerians in the diaspora, who often face long waits at embassies and consulates. By centralising production, the NIS can ensure uniformity and speed across all passport issuing locations, including Nigerian missions abroad.

The centralisation initiative also enhances the security and authenticity of Nigerian passports. By consolidating production, the NIS can implement stricter quality control and integrate advanced security features that meet international standards. This will strengthen the credibility of Nigerian travel documents globally and reduce the incidence of forgery and identity fraud.

Additionally, the system is designed to integrate with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD), ensuring that Nigerian passports are easily authenticated by immigration authorities worldwide.

Technology plays a central role in this transformation. Automation reduces the reliance on manual processes, minimises errors, and speeds up production. With modern equipment capable of handling thousands of booklets per day, the NIS can now deliver passports faster and more reliably than ever before.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that this shift to automation is critical for maintaining Nigeria’s new standards of service. “We are leveraging technology to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability at every stage of passport production,” he said.

While the increase in production capacity is a major achievement, sustaining this momentum will require continued investment, staff training, and strong oversight. The NIS must ensure that the new system is effectively managed to prevent bottlenecks and maintain quality control.

The Federal Government has pledged to support the NIS in modernising its operations and maintaining the high standards set by the Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre. This includes expanding capacity further as demand grows and implementing new features to enhance user experience.

One of the key goals of the centralisation initiative is to rebuild public confidence in government institutions. Long delays and backlogs in passport issuance have been a source of frustration for Nigerians for decades. By delivering faster, more reliable service, the NIS is demonstrating that public institutions can meet citizens’ expectations.

This move also underscores the importance of building institutions that are not dependent on individuals but on systems and processes that endure over time. It reflects a commitment to sustainable reform and long-term improvements in public service delivery.

The Nigeria Immigration Service’s decision to raise daily passport production from 300 to 5,000 represents a historic milestone for the country. It is a testament to the power of reform, technology, and leadership in transforming public service delivery. By centralising passport production, Nigeria has positioned itself as a leader in Africa and a contender on the global stage in terms of passport issuance efficiency.

For Nigerian citizens, this development means faster, more reliable access to essential travel documents. For the government, it signals a successful step in its broader reform agenda. And for the world, it shows that Nigeria is serious about modernising its systems and improving the integrity of its travel documents.

As the Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre continues to operate at full capacity, Nigerians can look forward to a future where delays and inefficiencies in passport issuance are a thing of the past—a future where public service truly serves the public.