…Minister of Interior Reads Riot Act to NIS.
Gone are the days of customary operations in Nigeria’s Passport administration, as the newly appointed Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has taken a resolute stance to eradicate all obstacles impeding the smooth processing of international Passports by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Dr. Tunji-Ojo conveyed this decisive approach during his inaugural visit to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 30th August, 2023.
He firmly declared that the extensive delays endured by Nigerians while awaiting Passport issuance are no longer tolerable. “Acquiring a Passport is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he emphasized.
“This is the time to feel the pains of Nigerian and through our actions, show that we care.”
The Minister asserted that a dedicated team was being set up, comprising NIS officials and Ministry of Interior representatives to critically examine and recommend strategies that would dismantle the barriers that have hindered efficient processes. He expressed discontent with some agreements between NIS and its technical partners that may have over the years tied down the Service, and vowed to take decisive measures to rectify such issues promptly.
On his leadership role, Dr. Tunji-Ojo articulated his desire to collaborate closely with the NIS, fully aware of the weighty responsibilities he shoulders. He pledged to provide guidance while earning the trust and confidence of all personnel within the Service, holding himself accountable for the outcomes.
In her welcome address, the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, provided the Minister with an overview of the duties, operations, and challenges faced by the NIS. She acknowledged the support of Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, extoling her for assuming the roles of both a leader and mother to the NIS.
The Acting CGI expressed the NIS management’s alignment with the Minister’s vision and assured him of the Service’s full cooperation to ensure his success in the endeavor.
eSigned
DCI ARIDEGBE ADEDOTUN PhD
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
For: COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION
