FG explains new conditions for passport acquisition

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed in Abuja that passports remained a national identity and vital documents to all citizens and its sanctity should be well protected.

According to him the new conditions/templates introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing passports were instituted to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.

Dr Tunji-Ojo, who was fielding questions from reporters on the issue, emphasised that passport is a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.

He explained that the new conditions would not only impede non-Nigerians from acquiring the passport but frustrate attempts to fake the document in view of its security features.

He lamented that foreigners have exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system to acquire the documents.

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He however acknowledged challenges faced by applicants for the new passport, assuring the public of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.

“We are building a future for Nigerians where things should be done in a better way. We changed the price of five-year passport because the 10-year passport is N70, 000; so, the one for five years should be half of that amount, which is N35. 000. We are committed to making things better in our country,” the Minister added.