FG vows to remove passport issuance bottlenecks

The Federal Government has commenced reforms to remove bottlenecks against Nigeria’s passport issuance and collection process.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the weekend while hosting the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo assured that the government would ensure that the Nigeria passport regains its pride and integrity by reducing identity thefts.

According to him, plans are underway to decongest Nigeria’s prisons by 40 per cent through non-custodial alternatives.

He called on the EU to help the continent end its many challenges.

He said, “We have commenced the process to unbottle the bottlenecks in our international passport application and collection process. Today, we have made a huge progress. We are also working on ways to reduce identity theft. We want to make sure the green passport regains its pride and integrity.

“If we can solve crime and migration problems in Nigeria, Africa will be better for it.”

On her part, Isopi pledged the EU’s support through technical management of illegal migration, human trafficking and smuggling.