The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Friday declared a state of emergency in the country about passport concerns.

This is contained in a statement by Ms. Caroline Adepoju, the Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and was made available by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr. Tony Akuneme.

Akuneme noted that the CG was in Lagos for the inauguration ceremony of the Visa on Arrival Lounge at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

During the visit, Adepoju stated that there is an urgent need to solve the difficulties Nigerians suffer in getting international passports.

The NIS chief utilised the occasion to announce a comprehensive plan of action to address the concerns efficiently.

She stated that the facility demonstrated the NIS’s commitment to enhance the overall travel experience for travellers entering Nigeria.

According to her, the declaration of a state of emergency on passport issues represents NIS’s reinvigorated commitment to resolving the challenges that Nigerians seeking passports confront.

“It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, “she said.

Adepoju directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units and personnel, including Missions abroad, to eliminate all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly.

“NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application and issuance process.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the service as it takes decisive steps to address the Passport crisis,” she said.

Adepoju assured the public that the efforts was to ensure that every eligible Nigerian who required a Passport could obtain one in a timely manner.