The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday unveiled an upgraded passport tracking system designed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in passport acquisition both within and outside the country.
The new feature aims to provide applicants with clearer information on the status of their passports, while helping the Service curb any irregularities in the application and issuance process.
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Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the NIS, recently warned personnel against engaging in corrupt practices or any misconduct during a Conference on Anti-Corruption at the Service’s Abuja headquarters.
She emphasised that the ongoing reforms in the NIS would be fully implemented and that all installed gadgets and systems across the country would function optimally.
The rollout comes amid rising public complaints over delays in passport issuance and collection.
The Service noted that hundreds of passports had been produced but remained uncollected, contributing to growing frustration among applicants.
To address this, the updated system now introduces a new status: “Produced (Passports Produced, Ready for Collection)”.
According to her, this addition allows applicants to track when their passports are ready for pickup or delivery via courier service, reducing uncertainty over processing timelines.
She also said that the new tracking status will help applicants distinguish between delays in production and passports that are ready but yet to be retrieved.
The Service noted that the measure is part of reforms aimed at eliminating deliberate bottlenecks in the system and mitigating public outcry over long waiting periods.
The NIS assured that the enhanced tracker would provide a more seamless experience for applicants.
