The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says the new conditions introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing international passports are to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.
In a statement by his media aide, the Minister acknowledges challenges faced by new passport applicants and assures of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.
The new conditions, including the provision of a citizenship certificate, date of birth certificate and the National Identification Number (NIN), he adds, have become critical in verifying applicants’ true citizenship and is working effectively, with only four percent hiccups, contrary to reports.
Tunji-Ojo explains that while working towards contactless biometrics in passport renewal, the increase in cost of the five year passport to #35,000 was agreed to, taking a cue from the cost of the 10-year passport which has been #70,000 all along.
