Immigration CG unveils e-passport in Katsina, pledges to reduce processing traffic

Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Isah Here Idris has unveiled the ePassport in Katsina state, pledging to to also reduce the traffic encountered in the process of acquiring the passport.

The CGI also commissioned an office complex for the Katsina state command in a ceremony on Tuesday at the state capital, Kastina.

Speaking at the occasion, Isah Idris said the enhanced e-Passport is significant to the Service’s drive for robust service delivery to the citizens.

“We are certainly not unaware of the challenges being experienced by some

of our compatriots in accessing Passport services in recent times but we are reassured that with the various efforts being emplaced, such as the unveiling of the enhanced ePassport here in Katsina, these challenges will soon give way for the emergence of a more seamless Passport application and processing. Effort are on-going to ensure more front offices are opened in the state to reduce the traffic. Soon, the office in Daura will be due for

commissioning. The equipment for the enhanced e-passport have already been set up in Katsina. In a few days time, it will become operational, hopefully alongside the Daura front office.

“With the roll out of this enhanced travel document today, it is certain that cases of delays in processing Passports will be taken care of, provided applicants abide strictly with the application guidelines, including ensuring that they make use of the online application and payment platform as well as to synchronize the data in their passport application with the information in their NIN (National Identification Number).”

The CGI said that the travel document comes in different categories, one of

which is the ten-year validity passport booklet (for adults only), which saves Nigerians time and cost of frequent

visits to Passport offices. He said that with this document, eligible applicants can now have access to a variety of options available on the enhanced e-Passport categories.

“The enhanced e-Passport is of polycarbonate technology and has additional 25 security features over the current electronic Passport. The polycarbonate data page is water-resistant. It is the latest Passport technology, very durable and user-friendly. It is difficult to forge as the improved security features will make any attempt not only impossible but also easily noticeable. Nigeria is the first country in Africa to migrate to this type of Passport. May I quickly mention that the enhanced ePassport and  the ordinary electronic Passport are both running currently until at a convenient time when all our Centres would have

been fully migrated to the former.”

Furthermore the CGI said that the commissioning of the new Immigration office building reaffirms the commitment of the Service in ensuring that the welfare of its officer and men are adequately taken care of.