NANS dismisses claims of Northern marginalisation over passport reform

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Northern Caucus has strongly refuted allegations that the Federal Government's passport centralisation reform disadvantages Northern Nigeria. The student body dismissed these claims as "false, misleading and politically motivated," asserting that the reform is a nationwide initiative by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to improve security, efficiency, and service delivery.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NANS's National Vice President (External Affairs), Comrade Sadiq Zango, addressed public concerns stemming from passport applicants and stakeholders in northern states. He explained that the migration of passport production to the Central Personalisation Centre in Abuja does not halt processing or issuance at any passport office domestically or at Nigerian embassies abroad. Instead, it is part of a modernization program to bolster the integrity and efficiency of the passport system.

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the passport centralisation programme being implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, is a nationwide operational reform aimed at improving security, efficiency and service delivery, rather than a regional agenda.

NANS outlined a phased implementation strategy, with phases one to three already completed between February 2025 and 2026, covering various regions and Nigerian missions globally. Phase four, scheduled for August 2026, will include remaining passport offices in the South-South, North-East, and North-West. "It is therefore far from the truth to suggest that the Federal Government is attempting to disenfranchise the North or any part of the country through this process," the statement emphasized.

The reform aims to consolidate booklet printing and security personalization at a central hub in Abuja, ensuring production within two weeks. It will also eliminate manual interference, curb fraud, enhance accountability, and guarantee uniform quality and advanced security features in Nigerian passports. Passport offices nationwide will continue to receive applications and issue passports as usual.

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It is therefore far from the truth to suggest that the Federal Government is attempting to disenfranchise the North or any part of the country through this process.