FG Clears 200,000 Passport Backlog, N28 Billion Legacy Debt

The Federal Government has announced a major breakthrough in its efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of passport backlogs and legacy debt.

According to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Tunji Ojo, the government has successfully cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs and paid off a whopping N28 billion legacy debt.

The Minister made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, where he revealed that the government’s efforts to reform the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and improve the passport issuance process have yielded significant results.

“We are pleased to announce that we have cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs, which had been a major source of frustration for Nigerians seeking to obtain or renew their passports.

“This achievement is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our immigration services,” Ojo said.

The Minister also revealed that the government has paid off a legacy debt of N28 billion, which had been accumulated over the years due to unpaid passport fees and other expenses. This debt had been a major burden on the NIS and had hindered the agency’s ability to deliver efficient services to Nigerians.

“The payment of this legacy debt is a significant milestone in our efforts to reform the NIS and improve its financial sustainability,”

“We are committed to ensuring that the NIS is self-sufficient and able to deliver world-class services to Nigerians without relying on government subsidies,.Ojo said.

The clearance of passport backlogs and payment of legacy debt are part of the government’s broader efforts to reform the NIS and improve the overall immigration process.

The government has introduced a number of reforms, including the introduction of a new passport issuance system, the expansion of passport issuance centers, and the deployment of new technology to improve the efficiency and security of the immigration process.

The clearance of passport backlogs and payment of legacy debt are expected to have a significant impact on Nigerians, particularly those who have been waiting for months or even years to obtain or renew their passports. With the backlogs cleared, Nigerians can now expect to receive their passports within a shorter timeframe, making it easier for them to travel abroad for business, education, or leisure.

The payment of legacy debt is also expected to improve the financial sustainability of the NIS, allowing the agency to invest in new technology and infrastructure to improve the efficiency and security of the immigration process.

Nigerians have reacted with excitement and relief to the news of the clearance of passport backlogs and payment of legacy debt.

Many have taken to social media to express their gratitude to the government for its efforts to improve the immigration process.

“This is a welcome development. I have been waiting for over a year to renew my passport, and I am thrilled to hear that the backlogs have been cleared. I hope this will make it easier for me to travel abroad for business,” said Lagos-based businessman, Mr. John Okoro.

The Minister of Interior has announced that the government will continue to work on improving the immigration process, including the introduction of new technology and infrastructure to enhance the efficiency and security of the process.