By Cynthia Johnson
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully cleared a significant backlog of almost sixty thousand passport applications, following the directive issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, last Thursday.
The clearance of these pending passport applications was officially confirmed by the Minister himself. Media Adviser to the Minister, Babatunde Alao, released a statement on Tuesday announcing this development. According to the statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo revealed this achievement during a meeting earlier in the day while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu, during her courtesy visit.
Dr. Beta Edu’s visit was motivated by the desire to establish a partnership and collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. The primary objective of this partnership is to address various challenges, including the prevention of human trafficking, improving veterans’ welfare, reducing poverty among citizens, and tackling underemployment, among other issues.
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Dr. Beta Edu emphasized that the Ministry of Interior plays a critical supervisory role over the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and is therefore best positioned to address human trafficking issues.
Minister Tunji-Ojo welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed the President’s directive to view partnerships as crucial agents of this agenda and committed to delivering on this mandate.
He said, “We assure you of our support. Your initiative is progressive and commendable, especially at this crucial time in the history of our country. There is a lot of work to be done, and we cannot work in silos, as the President has directed.”
The Minister also shared progress on the passport backlog issue, stating, “As of this morning, I can tell you that about sixty thousand passport backlogs have been cleared, specifically 59,906. On Wednesday, September 6, when I gave the two-week ultimatum, we had over two hundred thousand backlogs. We have recorded progress, and I maintain my words; those backlogs must be cleared.”
Furthermore, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate on thoughtful and progressive solutions, suggesting that the welfare of inmates in correctional facilities could be considered as part of their shared initiatives.
He concluded by highlighting a similar engagement with the Ministry of Tourism, where he hosted Mrs. Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, as part of their ongoing efforts to foster cooperation and address important national issues.
