The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has revealed that the federal government is making preparations to introduce a home delivery service for passports.
Aregbesola made this announcement during the inauguration of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Front Desk Office in Auchi, Edo State.
The minister highlighted that the opening of the passport office is the sixth of its kind in 2023 and is part of the government’s commitment to bringing passport application processing closer to the citizens.
According to Aregbesola, the government aims to ensure that individuals who desire to obtain a passport can do so within a reasonable timeframe, at an affordable price, and without any unnecessary hassle.
“The significance of what we are doing here lies in two main aspects. Firstly, it recognizes the right and necessity for Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to possess a Nigerian passport,” Aregbesola stated.
“While some individuals hold a passport for identification purposes, for others, it is a matter of pride to showcase the green emblem of the passport. However, for those residing outside the country, the passport serves as proof of their existence, and the inability to produce it when required may have unfavorable consequences.”
The minister emphasized that the government is committed to providing passports to all those who desire them in a timely manner, at an affordable cost, and with utmost convenience. He also highlighted the need to break away from traditional approaches in achieving this objective.
Aregbesola further revealed that the government is in the final stages of negotiations with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to leverage its speed mail service for the delivery of passports to Nigerians worldwide once they are produced.
The introduction of a passport home delivery service is expected to enhance accessibility and convenience for passport applicants, especially those living abroad. It signifies the government’s commitment to streamlining processes and improving service delivery in the issuance of passports.