The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed serious concerns over the wrongful attribution of international crimes to Nigerians, citing the misuse of Nigerian passports by foreigners as a primary cause. Speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo pointed out how this alarming trend has led to widespread embarrassment for the nation and unfair labeling of its citizens. He emphasized that the Nigerian passport is more than a travel document; it is a sovereign symbol of national identity that must be safeguarded against exploitation.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo further explained that the possession of Nigerian passports by non-citizens has amplified the global perception that many crimes committed abroad are linked to Nigerians. This misrepresentation tarnishes the country’s reputation and undermines the dignity of its people. The minister’s comments underscore the urgency of addressing this issue through tighter security measures and reforms to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian passport and restore trust in its authenticity on the global stage.
Passport Issuance Under Strict Scrutiny
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed ongoing reforms to tighten the process of passport issuance and ensure only authentic Nigerians can access this critical document. “To confirm someone’s Nigerian nationality, they must upload a certificate of origin, which will be verified by Document Verification Officers (DVOs) in real-time,” the minister stated.
This verification process involves local government officials across the country’s 774 local government areas authenticating submitted documents. Such measures aim to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to Nigerian passports and to restore global trust in the credibility of the document.
Foreign Nationals Exploiting Passport Loopholes
The minister highlighted how foreign nationals exploit the lack of stringent verification processes to obtain Nigerian passports, which are then used to commit crimes abroad. These illegal activities tarnish the reputation of legitimate Nigerian citizens and expose the country to unwarranted criticism on the international stage.
This exploitation has far-reaching consequences, with many Nigerians abroad facing undue suspicion and discrimination due to the actions of impostors. The minister affirmed that the government is determined to address this issue comprehensively.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Verification
To curb passport misuse, the ministry has introduced technology-driven solutions to ensure transparency and accuracy. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo explained that all submitted documents are transmitted electronically to local governments for validation. This real-time verification ensures that only genuine Nigerians receive passports.
By incorporating digital technology into the passport issuance process, the ministry aims to eliminate manual errors and fraudulent submissions, ultimately enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s sovereign document.
Restoring National Dignity on the Global Stage
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stressed that the misuse of Nigerian passports has deeply affected the country’s reputation. He assured Nigerians that the government is committed to protecting their dignity by implementing strict measures to prevent further abuse.
The reforms will not only safeguard the integrity of the Nigerian passport but also help rebuild the nation’s global image. “Our citizens deserve to walk freely without being unfairly judged,” the minister added.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts in combating passport fraud by reporting suspicious activities and ensuring they follow due processes in obtaining their passports. He highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by passport misuse.
As the government works to restore order and credibility, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized that public cooperation is crucial to achieving lasting solutions. “A strong and united front will ensure that the Nigerian passport regains its rightful respect and recognition globally,” he concluded.
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