The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed concern over delays in passport processing and warned immigration officers at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) against imposing extra charges on applicants.

Tunji-Ojo made this known on Tuesday during an unscheduled visit to the Gwagwalada and Sauka passport offices in Abuja, where he assessed service delivery and the impact of reforms introduced in recent years.

The minister said the visit was aimed at evaluating how effectively Nigerians are being served at passport offices and to identify areas requiring further improvement.

During the inspection, Tunji-Ojo observed interactions between officers and applicants and noted that while some progress has been recorded, delays in passport processing remain unacceptable.

“I saw first-hand how Nigerians are being attended to, and I believe service delivery can be a lot better if officers optimise processes and remain innovative,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning against the collection of extra or unofficial charges, stressing that applicants should only pay officially approved fees.
According to the minister, any officer found engaging in sharp practices or actions that undermine the reforms being implemented would face appropriate sanctions.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving passport administration through transparency, efficiency, and technology-driven processes.