Netizens have disagreed with the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on the launch of the automation process of application for the Nigerian Passport, which kick-started on Monday.
The Nigerians who commented on the Minister’s post on his X handle, wondered why an improvement on a process which began in 2016 and improved in 2021, would be tagged as a novel idea.
While launching the passport application automation process in Abuja on Monday, Tunji-Ojo noted that the new reform seeks to redefine how citizens enrol and procure the international passport in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
With an emphasis on convenience, reduced processing time, and an overall seamless experience, the Minister assured the public that this new solution will enhance national security and data protection.
However, some Nigerians on X berated the Minister for showcasing what has been in operation for over 2 years as new, stressing that the automation process of application that was just launched is an update to the one kickstarted by a former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Rtd), sustained and improved by his successor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Auwal Musa @auwal_musam wrote:
“I could apply for a passport from the comfort of my bed in 2021. While it’s great to see the progress made, it would be more accurate to say that Nigerians can now apply for their passports more conveniently, rather than implying that online application is a new thing.
“It is good to see further improved and streamlined online processes. I expect there will be continuous improvements to make the process even smoother.”
Also, another Netizen @OnyedikaAnambra said that, “This has been in existence. There has always been an option to fill out your form online, and visit the Immigration office for biometrics. It’s not true automation if one still has to visit the immigration office for biometrics. British people apply for passports from home and complete biometrics with their phones. This dude is just interested in PR.”
Osun Defender had last week reported that the new stage, which is continuation of a long standing innovation of previous administrations in the passport application and processing process started in 2016 would allow Nigerians to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact.
While in office, Aregbesola took the initiative a step higher by starting the online passport application process.
The initiative, saw the introduction of an online portal where Nigerians applied for the citizenship integrity document, paid online (to eliminate the role of middlemen and corrupt officials) and got appointment dates for their biometrics capturing at registration points across the country.
In addition, to address the skyrocketing demand for the passport by Nigerians, most especially, those seeking to relocate abroad, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari through the former Minister built and commissioned passport front offices, and ideated the next stage of the process, to begin next week.
The new stage of the automation process for passport application was to commence with pilot tests in Gwagwalada and Lagos before the end of the Buhari administration, but could not hold due to administrative bottlenecks, which according to social media users, Tunji-Ojo kicked off yesterday.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
