The immigration headquarters look into potential improper behavior at passport offices.

The high command of the Nigeria Immigration has initiated an investigation into purported instances of unprofessional behavior and illicit activities within passport offices nationwide.

The admission was made by Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, DCI Dotun Aridegbe, who serves as the spokesman of the Immigration Service. Aridegbe highlighted that the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-

Ola Adepoju has expressed profound worry on the complaints of misbehavior that have been raised against our workers in several Passport offices throughout the country.

As per his statement, an investigation has been initiated by the Comptroller General to examine the problem, particularly with regard to the failure to adhere to Ministerial directions concerning the deadline for Passport administration.

In accordance with the instruction of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the worldwide backlog of Passport applications has been successfully cleared. As a result, the Minister announced a revised timeframe of two weeks for the processing and issuing of Passports on October 4, 2023.

The Minister and the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) have disseminated distinct contact numbers to the general public for reporting instances of misconduct by workers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at any of its facilities.

The National Information Service (NIS) provided two contact lines, namely 08028320751 (SPRO) and 08067761196 (SA – SERVICOM). Our commitment extends beyond mere phone response to actively addressing and resolving any concerns or difficulties you may have.

The Service has consistently conducted daily monitoring of compliance levels at all Passport offices across the country and at our diplomatic missions overseas. Daily updates on the production and issuing of Passports are received from all Passport Control Officers.

As of the present date, October 13, 2023, the majority of our Passport offices are currently engaged in the production of Passports for individuals who submitted their applications on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

The Service would like to take this opportunity to inform the general public that the processing period for applications for the reissuance of lost passports and changes to personal data is extended. Certain individuals within this particular group of applicants may cast a negative perception upon the Service by expressing dissatisfaction with the delay and lack of adherence to the newly established timetable.

Prior to being approved for production, these apps must undergo security clearance and engage in correspondence with Service Headquarters.

In the meantime, the Acting Comptroller General has made an appeal to the general public, encouraging them to utilize the various public communication channels provided by the Service, such as Twitter, Facebook handles (@nigimmigration), and our Contact Center (contact numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092), to report any instances of misconduct exhibited by any member of the workforce. Such reports will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate sanctions will be implemented as deemed necessary.

The individual included the following statement: “It is advised that potential applicants for Passports should visit the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service at immigration.gov.ng in order to submit their Passport applications and make payments for their desired Passport categories. It is recommended to refrain from engaging with individuals or organizations that request cash payments for Passport services.”