NIS dismisses reports of passport service suspension

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has moved to quell public anxiety regarding passport processing, assuring citizens that services remain fully functional across the country. Recent concerns suggested that the migration of additional passport branches to the Central Personalization Centre might disrupt operations.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service wants to clarify that the recent migration of additional passport branches to the Central Personalization Centre is a strategic administrative enhancement, rather than a suspension of services.

In a statement released on its official X account, the NIS clarified that this migration is purely an administrative enhancement. The agency emphasized that it is a strategic move aimed at strengthening passport production and bolstering the security of Nigeria's travel documents, rather than a suspension of services.

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Applicants can still visit their local centers to complete biometric data capture seamlessly.

"Applicants can still visit their local centers to complete biometric data capture seamlessly," the NIS stated, reassuring applicants that enrollment and biometric capture continue without interruption. The service explained that centralizing passport production aligns Nigeria's issuance process with international best practices, thereby streamlining processing timelines and significantly safeguarding the integrity of the Nigerian passport.

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This centralized production framework is designed to align with global security standards, streamline processing timelines, and significantly safeguard the integrity of the Nigerian passport.

The NIS further reassured the public that passport booklets will continue to be produced and delivered to passport offices within the standard timeframe. This clarification follows public apprehension, with some applicants fearing the development could negatively impact passport issuance. However, the Immigration Service maintains that the new arrangement is solely intended to improve service delivery and enhance operational efficiency without interrupting nationwide access to passport services.

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Citizens can be rest assured that capturing centers remain fully operational, with physical booklets processed efficiently and returned to local commands within standard delivery windows.