Minister Olatunji Statement on Passport Reforms
Minister Olatunji-Ojo, addresses concerns about the recent changes in passport acquisition, emphasizing the need to prevent non-citizens from obtaining Nigerian passports. The statement aims to shed light on the motive behind the reforms and highlights the inefficiencies in the previous system that allowed foreigners to exploit the process.
In response to media queries in Abuja, Minister Olatunji reassures the public of an improved process for new passport applicants in the coming weeks, acknowledging the challenges faced and asserting the passport’s role as a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.
Rationale Behind Reforms: Curbing Passport Fraud by Non-Citizens
Minister Olatunji-Ojo underscores the significance of the new conditions, including the requirement for a citizenship certificate, date of birth certificate, and National Identification Number (NIN). These conditions are essential for verifying the true citizenship of passport applicants and preventing non-Nigerians from acquiring the document.
The Minister explains that the reforms are a response to foreigners exploiting the inefficiencies of the previous system. By introducing these stringent conditions, the government aims to curb passport fraud and ensure that the passport remains a secure identifier exclusive to Nigerian citizens.
Challenges Faced by Applicants: Minister’s Acknowledgment and Assurance
Acknowledging the challenges faced by new passport applicants, Minister Olatunji-Ojo assures the public of an enhanced and simplified process in the coming weeks. The Minister’s acknowledgment of the existing issues demonstrates transparency and commitment to addressing the concerns raised by citizens undergoing the passport acquisition process.
The statement aims to build confidence in the public by assuring them that the government is actively working to streamline the passport acquisition process, with a focus on improved accessibility and efficiency.
Critical Documentation: Citizenship Certificate, Date of Birth Certificate, and NIN Requirement
Delving into the specifics of the new conditions, the report highlights the importance of providing a citizenship certificate, date of birth certificate, and National Identification Number (NIN) during the passport application process. These documents are deemed critical for verifying the applicant’s true citizenship and enhancing the overall security of the passport issuance system.
By emphasizing the significance of these documents, the report helps applicants understand the necessity of complying with the new requirements, contributing to a smoother and more secure passport acquisition process.
Minister’s Defense: Effectiveness of the New System and Addressing Reported Hiccups
Minister Tunji-Ojo addresses reports suggesting challenges with the new passport acquisition system, emphasizing that the new process is working effectively. Contrary to negative reports, he states that the recorded hiccups are only at four percent, highlighting this as a significant improvement for a newly introduced system.
The Minister assures the public that the government is actively working to address the remaining challenges, expressing confidence that the system will achieve near perfection in the next one or two weeks. This defense aims to instill trust in the effectiveness of the reforms and the commitment to resolving any issues promptly.
Future Outlook: Improving Accessibility, Transparency, and Efficiency
Minister Olatunji-Ojo outlines the broader goals of the passport reform, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the passport acquisition process. The Minister asserts that the new system is designed to simplify the entire process, from online application to production and passport collection, ensuring a more streamlined and secure experience for Nigerian citizens.
The report concludes by underlining the positive impact of the reforms on the accessibility, transparency, and efficiency of the passport issuance system, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to enhance the overall citizen experience in obtaining this crucial security document.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
