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Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, shared this information while presenting his one-year achievements in office during an event in Abuja over the weekend.
The minister elaborated that the contactless biometric system enables applicants to submit their passport or visa requests from their homes or offices, eliminating the need to visit passport offices, especially at Nigeria’s consulates, where demand often surpasses daily processing capabilities.
He stated, “On October 1st, we will conduct a pre-launch of the contactless biometric solution with stakeholders. With this new system, there will be no need to visit embassies for appointment bookings.”
“The days of inefficiency in the passport application process are behind us. For instance, Canada receives over 16,000 applications daily, yet only manages 260 captures.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the resolution of a backlog of 204,332 applications as a significant achievement during his tenure. He also noted that the NIS has installed electronic gates (e-gates) at all international airports in Nigeria, allowing returning passengers to be processed in 30 seconds with minimal interaction with immigration officials.
To enhance data security, the minister mentioned that the NIS has established its own data center, eliminating reliance on third-party facilities. “We now have a command and control center within the NIS for advanced passenger information,” he added.
He further noted, “Our passport and visa systems have been upgraded, and processing a Nigerian visa now takes no more than 48 hours.”
Regarding advancements in the fire sector, he indicated that the Federal Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja, is undergoing upgrades to become a world-class institution, which will also generate revenue for Nigeria by serving as a training facility for other countries.
In addressing the issues of reform and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the minister emphasized that no report will be ignored and that accountability will be upheld for all individuals, irrespective of their rank, amid the ongoing corruption allegations facing the agency.
He asserted that Nigeria has not faltered and will not falter in its efforts to transform the correctional system from a punitive approach to one focused on rehabilitation.
Furthermore, he clarified that the recent escape of inmates in Maiduguri, caused by flooding, should not be viewed as deliberate but rather as an unavoidable circumstance. At the time of the flood, the Maiduguri correctional facility housed 786 inmates, and officers bravely managed to rescue approximately 486 of them, putting their own lives at risk in the treacherous conditions.
He urged the public to support the uniformed personnel who put their lives on the line to ensure national safety.
Additionally, he highlighted that promotions within the four paramilitary agencies have seen a notable enhancement under President Bola Tinubu's leadership, reaffirming that career advancement remains a crucial incentive for officers to excel in their duties.