The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) dismisses reports claiming that certain regions of the country are barred from passport issuance, describing the information as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the NIS clarifies that no part of Nigeria is excluded from passport issuance, stressing that the reports misrepresent ongoing reforms aimed at modernising and strengthening the country’s passport administration system.
The Service explains that it is currently implementing a phased onboarding process to migrate passport offices, including those in foreign missions, into a centralised passport production framework. The reform, which begins in 2024, is designed to improve efficiency, security, transparency, and integrity in passport processing nationwide.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the phased migration already covers passport offices in several North East and North Central states, including Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, as well as 35 international passport offices across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
The NIS further confirms that passport offices in the five South East states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—are scheduled for onboarding in the first quarter of 2026. The same timeline applies to additional international passport offices in Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Austria.
The Service notes that a detailed work-plan calendar is in place to ensure a smooth transition to the centralised system without disrupting passport processing timelines or inconveniencing applicants.
NIS officials emphasise that the phased approach allows for proper testing, system stability, and staff readiness before full integration, thereby preventing service breakdowns during the migration process.
The Immigration Service advises members of the public to ignore speculative and unverified online narratives, warning that such reports could create unnecessary tension and misinformation.
It reiterates its commitment to equitable service delivery, national inclusion, and operational excellence, assuring Nigerians at home and abroad that passport issuance remains accessible to all eligible citizens.
The NIS adds that the ongoing reforms align with the Federal Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at improving public service delivery and strengthening national security.
The Service assures Nigerians that it will continue to communicate transparently on reforms and timelines, urging citizens to rely on official channels for accurate information on passport-related matters.
