ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to launch a fully contactless passport application system, with passports to be delivered directly to applicants’ homes starting from March.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo shared the news on Channels Television’s Politics Today, highlighting the convenience this initiative will bring to Nigerians.
“Starting March 8, Nigerians will no longer have to come to our offices for their biometric,” Tunji-Ojo stated, saying that the entire process, including biometric data collection, can be completed from the comfort of applicants’ homes, with passports subsequently delivered via courier.
The minister revealed that the automated passport application portal, which was opened to the public, marks the first phase of the initiative.
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He outlined a phased approach, with the second phase catering to applicants in the diaspora scheduled for delivery on 8 February. The third and final phase, set for 8 March, introduces the contactless biometric system, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
“I guarantee you that in two months’ time, you sit at home, do your biometrics, fill in your delivery address, and we send it to you via courier,” Tunji-Ojo assured, urging Nigerians to hold the Ministry of Interior accountable for its promises.
Highlighting the commitment to improving the passport application process, he stated, “The Ministry of Interior is poised towards the delivery of every promise that we made,” emphasizing the simplicity of the process, where appointments are scheduled, biometrics are collected, and documents are processed without the need for physical documentation or photographs.
“With this now, the only thing you need to do there: you have an appointment, you just go there, take your biometrics. No picture and nobody is looking at your documents,” the minister added.