The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that qualified applicants receive their international passports within six weeks, in line with Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a judgment on December 4, in favor of Benita Ngozi Ezumezu, who had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit after facing significant delays in obtaining her passport. Despite fulfilling all requirements on October 6, 2022, Ezumezu waited 14 weeks without receiving the document.
The court declared that the NIS’s failure to issue the passport violated the Immigration Act and Ezumezu’s constitutional right to freedom of movement. Justice Nwite awarded ₦3 million in damages to Ezumezu and ordered the NIS to issue her passport immediately.
Benita’s employer, Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society group, hailed the verdict. CC’s Chief Executive, Olalekan Oshunkoya, highlighted the broader implications of the case, noting persistent challenges Nigerians face in accessing essential services from government agencies.
“This judgment asserts the right of every Nigerian to quality service delivery, especially when tied to fundamental rights,” Oshunkoya stated. He urged public service providers to recognize the consequences of poor service and commended the judiciary for upholding justice.
The judgment marks a significant step in addressing service inefficiencies and underscores the importance of accountability in government ministries, departments, and agencies.
