Connect with us

Uncategorized

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

Published

on

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday said over 3.5 million passports has been issued in less than two years, adding that a massive N1 billion plus have been saved annually through reforms in the nation’s passport processing system.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Ministry’s new Passport Front Office.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms were implemented in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance efficiency, security, and service delivery.

The minister while stating that the administration met a backlog of over 200,000 unprocessed passports and a debt of nearly ₦20 billion in the sector when it assumed office in 2023, disclosed that the backlog and debt have since been cleared.

He said. “While 3,080,141 passports were issued locally, 466,117 passports were also issued in the diaspora since August 2023. This brings the total of 3,546,258 passports issued “

Tunji-Ojo noted that the ministry also fully automated the upload of breeder documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, which previously cost government about N1 billion annually.

He said: “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now.”

The Minister revealed that the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports had increased from 26 to 44 in Nigeria and from five to 47 in the diaspora, while stating that
all passport offices now issue harmonised enhanced passports in line with global best practices.

He said: “We inherited a system where different types of passports were issued. That affected our credibility. Today, every Nigerian passport is ICAO-compliant and globally verifiable.”

Tunji-Ojo promised that a new passport central personalisation centre with modern technology, provided at no cost by Iris Smart Technologies, would become operational by August 2025.

He commended the company for supporting the government’s reform efforts and providing advanced passport production equipment without cost to the treasury.

He said Nigeria now produces passports in more than 50 locations, both within the country and abroad, and has joined the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory for global passport authentication.

He announced that effective July 31, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online.

“Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics and documentation of every applicant for national security,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to digital governance, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel

Published

on

Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed robbers on Monday at about 4am invaded male students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, dispossessing occupants of mobile phones and valuables, and stabbing two students in the process.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, occurred within the Gwalameji campus of the institution, located about four kilometres from the city centre.

Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that the robbers, numbering between 15 and 20, broke into several hostel rooms and threatened students with weapons, including knives.

“They moved from room to room, collecting phones, laptops and money. Two students who resisted were stabbed before the attackers fled,” said a student who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Zagazola gathered that the incident sparked outrage among students, who later blocked the Bauchi–Dass highway near the school gate to protest what they described as recurring security lapses on campus.

The protest was dispersed by security operatives using teargas, while the institution’s management promptly suspended academic activities and ordered students to vacate the campus within two hours.

Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel were deployed to restore order.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, who visited the campus, addressed the students and assured them that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen campus security.

A security source told Zagazola that the targeted attack on male hostels point to the gaps in intelligence and emergency response, particularly given the proximity of the school to the state capital.

“The robbers operated for some time without interruption, which suggests that security patrols and outposts in the area need to be more proactive, especially since Gwalameji has a history of criminal incidents,” the source said.

The students, citing lack of security personnel, poor medical facilities and other welfare issues, staged a protest after being addressed by school officials.

Following a tip-off later in the day, police arrested three suspects, Mansur Yakubu, also known as Chasu; Abbas Auwal, 20; and Musa Bala, 20, alias Babannani all of Lushi area, Bauchi.

The suspects confessed to the crime and named their accomplices, identified as Kalifa Danboda of Birshin Gandu, and others known as Dady, Soja, Baki, and Sunusi, alias “Ba Su Aikin Allah,” who are currently at large.

Authorities says efforts are intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

Published

on

Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits numbering about 200 stormed Babanla town in Kwara state on motorbikes at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, killing a police officer and looting a local market.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the assailants, who fired sporadically, attacked the Babanla Police Station, where ASP Adejumo Wasiu attached to the ACPOL Offa was shot dead. His AK-47 rifle was taken by the attackers.

Sources said that the station was ransacked, though no additional arms were lost, as all other weapons were on charge at the time.

After the assault on the police facility, the gunmen moved to the town’s market, seizing large quantities of foodstuffs.

A joint force comprising military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters mobilized swiftly, repelling the attack and restoring order.

The number of civilian casualties remains unknown as at the time of filling this report

Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

Published

on

Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Gona in Bauchi state are on a manhunt after eight suspects in custody for various offences escaped from their cell in the early hours of August 8, 2025.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the detainees broke out of their cell and forcefully opened the nearby exit door before fleeing to an unknown destination.

It was gathered that a rapid response patrol and divisional surveillance teams were deployed immediately. One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Haliru, has since been rearrested.

The sources said that authorities have circulated alerts to aid in the capture of the remaining fugitives

Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights