FG unveils enhanced e-passport facilities in Europe

The Federal Government has unveiled additional enhanced e-passport facilities at select Nigerian Embassies in Europe.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that this move aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to streamlining passport processing and acquisition for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the facilities at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome and emphasised the dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to citizens’ diplomacy and enhancing services for the diaspora community.

The Minister was represented by the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, as stated by the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr Aridegbe Adedotun, in Abuja.

The Minister also revealed the phased rollout of the enhanced e-passport in Europe. Phase one, which includes Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, was officially introduced in Rome on Monday, while phase two is scheduled to be implemented by the end of the week.

He mentioned that the e-Passport complies with all standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), positioning Nigeria as the first country in Africa and the fifth worldwide to embrace this technological achievement. Adedotun added, “This accomplishment has garnered high international recognition.”

Acting CGI Adepoju highlighted that the enhanced e-Passport would significantly reduce processing delays in Europe. However, she emphasized that applicants must strictly adhere to application guidelines, including using the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring the synchronization of their passport application data with their National Identification Number (NIN).

She added that the advanced travel document offers three categories: i. 32-page Five-year validity category ii. 64-page Five-year validity category iii. 64-page Ten-year validity category (for adults only) “She enjoined applicants with complaints to use the following channels for resolution: (i) Twitter: @nigimmigration (ii) Website: www.immigration.gov.ng to interact with the virtual assistant and our Contact Center on; 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092. “The event witnessed the presence of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, senior officials of the High Commission, a diverse representation of Nigerians in Italy, and members of the diplomatic community,” the statement added.

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