THE Federal Government has ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that passports are issued to applicants within 48 hours of application.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, gave the directive when he declared open the Comptroller-General Management Retreat 2019 and launching of Border Management Strategy Document in Lagos.
He noted that with technology, the Nigeria Immigration Service must eliminate the tradition of endless wait for obtaining the Nigerian passport by Nigerians desirous of having one.
“With technology, it is possible to process and obtain the passport within 48 hours, if the application does not have any issue.
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“Nigerian passport should be available within 48 hours maximum after application and at the official fee, the same goes for entry visa, resident permit, as well as application and processing of other services,” he said
He also told the service to put in place a strict implementation process of the border management strategy in order to ensure border safety and security.
He said that the retreat was organised for management cadre officers to brainstorm and fashion out means of implementing the reforms being carried out by the Service in line with the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s focus, which is security, economy and transparency.
Aregbesola said further that the retreat would provide the major input in the development of several Strategic Documents of NIS to cover 2019 –2023, adding that the officers and men of the Service must act as moral agents and in the best interest of the country, as it is only then that the efficient border security management would be achieved.
The minister observed further that technology and transparency remain paramount for efficient and effective border security management, especially in the contemporary situation where crime and criminality have assumed complex status.
“All officers of the Service must, as a matter of urgency, embrace the digital tradition and be technology/computer compliant, particularly at the senior and management levels.
“Our officers must shun all forms of corruption through openness and transparency in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
He called on the service to deliver on its mandate to serve Nigeria with heart and might by taming all threats to internal security thereby ensuring the safety of the citizens.
“Our service must focus on supporting the Federal Government’s drive on ease of doing business. On the flipside, no one who should not be within our borders should be allowed into the country,” he said.
While commending the Comptroller-General, Muhammad Babandede, for his efficiency and proactiveness to border issues, he told the officers and men of the service to see themselves as the face and the pride of the ministry.
The Comptroller-General, on his part assured the minister that the service would ensure efficient border security management so as to improve internal security.
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