The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said that it would set up a task force to clear the backlog of passport applications in the three passport offices in Lagos State.
The controller of passport command in the state, Mr. Sunday Fagbamigbe, disclosed this in an interview while reacting to the May 31 deadline given by the minister of interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to clear the backlog.
NIS has, in recent times, faced challenges in passport issuance because of a shortage of passport booklets both at home and abroad.
According to Fagbamigbe, the command’s task force will work to ensure that all accrued passport applications in the three passports offices in Ikoyi, Festac Town and Ikeja are cleared.
The controller said the task force would start monitoring its enforcement and implementation from May 21.
“This is to showcase the good intentions and the determination of the controller-general of immigration service, Mr. Mohammed Babandede, to serve Nigerians.
“The directive on the suspension of processing of new passport applications is also to enhance passport offices’ clearance of the backlog of passports.
“I hail the new directive by the NIS on the suspension of processing of new passport applications as supported by the ministry of interior.
“The Lagos passport command task force will work relentlessly,’’ he said.
He said the enforcement would begin from the Ikoyi office.
Recall that Aregbesola, had, at a Webinar organised by the Nigerias in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), given May 31 as the deadline for all passport offices to clear all backlog of passport applications.
