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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NIS warns against fraudulent third-party passport platforms

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has debunked online claims about its passport application and payment system, calling them false and misleading.
  • The NIS reaffirmed that its official portal is the only secure and authorized platform for all passport-related applications and payments.
  • The agency is investigating the origin of the misinformation and warned that appropriate action will be taken against those found culpable.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has moved to dispel circulating online rumors concerning its passport application and payment procedures, labeling them as outright falsehoods designed to confuse the public. In a clear statement, the NIS reiterated its commitment to a secure and transparent digital passport process, accessible solely through its official government-approved portal.

The NIS operates a secure, transparent, and government-approved passport application system, which is accessible exclusively through its official portal.

โ€” Nigeria Immigration ServiceReaffirming the integrity and exclusivity of its official passport application portal.

This clarification comes amidst allegations suggesting a link between the NIS payment system and external entities, including religious organizations or private companies. The NIS has unequivocally rejected these claims, emphasizing that no third party has been authorized to act as an intermediary or receiving account. The agency stressed that its official website remains the exclusive platform for all passport services, whether for citizens within Nigeria or those in the diaspora.

At no time has the Service partnered with or authorised any religious organisation, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf.

โ€” Nigeria Immigration ServiceDirectly refuting claims of third-party involvement in its payment processes.

Furthermore, the NIS has initiated an investigation into the source of this misinformation. The service has issued a stern warning, promising decisive action against any individuals or groups found responsible for spreading these misleading narratives. The public is urged to rely strictly on official NIS communication channels and to exercise caution, avoiding unofficial links or intermediaries when applying for passports.

Recent allegations suggesting that the name of a religious organization appears in the Serviceโ€™s payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity, or processes of the NIS.

โ€” Nigeria Immigration ServiceAddressing specific, untrue allegations circulating online.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.