The federal government has announced the phased implementation of its contactless passport application service, starting with Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano states. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed the development during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday.
The new system, which aims to streamline and modernize passport applications, has already been piloted successfully in Canada. The initiative will next extend to Nigerians living in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and France by January 2024.
Tunji-Ojo explained the decision to launch the system in stages, emphasizing that a gradual rollout allows for testing and refining, ensuring reliability before a nationwide and global expansion.
“In my experience, you don’t launch a project of this magnitude all over at the same time,” Tunji-Ojo said. “A phased approach avoids system shocks that could undermine the program’s benefits. We’ve started in Canada, and we’re already producing passports there based on the contactless system.”
Addressing early technical challenges faced during the pilot in Canada, the minister assured the public that these issues have been resolved through continuous system updates. The initiative, once perfected, is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of passport services for Nigerians at home and abroad.
“This project will be a legacy for this administration and a source of pride for Nigerians. That’s why we are cautious in its implementation—to avoid frustrations that could lead to failure,” Tunji-Ojo added.
The phased approach reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing critical services and ensuring seamless access for citizens. As the project expands, it is expected to enhance Nigeria’s global reputation for efficient consular services.
