The federal government yesterday launched its contactless passport renewal system across Europe.
This came after the successful implementation of the programme in Canada.
The minister of interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who spoke at the launch in Abuja, said the initiative “marks yet another pivotal moment in our commitment to streamline and enhance the efficiency of government services for Nigerians both at home and abroad.”
As with the case in Canada, the minister said the “innovative system is designed to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals” as eligible Nigerians in Europe “can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices.”
Tunji-Ojo explained that the contactless passport initiative “not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) directly to your digital doorstep.”
He added that the introduction of this system in Europe further underscores our dedication to efficiency, accessibility and modernisation.
He explained that efficiency allows passport renewals to be conducted without physical presence, thereby helping “us to cut down processing times significantly.”
He said accessibility ensures Nigerians in the diaspora experience government services with ease, regardless of their location.
“Embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the $1 trillion economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
The minister said the Nigerian diaspora “is an integral part of our national fabric, which contributes immensely to our development.
Hence, he said it is important ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.
“As a government, we will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all our operations. This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.
“We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernise and humanize government services,” the minister said.
