The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to increase the production of passports to 24,000 per day once the backlog of passport applications has been cleared. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during a visit by a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
As of the time of the announcement, approximately 97,000 out of the 200,000 backlog of passport applications had been cleared. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the backlog and ensuring efficient passport issuance processes.
In addition to discussing passport production, the minister sought the support of UNODC in providing skills training for inmates in correctional centers, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reformation within the custodial facilities.
The UNODC team leader, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, expressed interest in collaboration and discussed areas where the organization has intervened and can further collaborate with the ministry.
This initiative aims to streamline passport issuance processes, reduce delays, and meet the passport needs of Nigerian citizens efficiently.