.jpeg)
Adepoju announced the declaration on Friday via an official
statement signed by the NIS spokesperson, Tony Akuneme in Abuja.
According to the statement, Adepoju knew more about the
problems Nigerians face in obtaining international passports, whether fresh or
renewal during her working visit to Lagos.
“The Ag. CGI’s visit to Lagos encompassed significant events
that underscored the gravity of the Passport crisis,” Akuneme disclosed in the
statement.
“She inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge
at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to
improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.
“Following this, she paid an unscheduled visit to the Alausa
Passport office to assess the situation firsthand.
“In her address, Ag. CGI Adepoju emphasized the necessity to
dismantle all man-made bottlenecks that impede the Passport application
process.
“She further stressed that the NIS top management is fully
committed to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure
a more efficient and streamlined service delivery.”
Akuneme said recognizing the importance of collaboration and
community engagement, the Ag. CGI embarked on a grassroots sensitization
initiative targeting traditional rulers.
She thereafter commenced this effort with a visit to the Oba
of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, seeking the cooperation of traditional rulers in
raising awareness about the menace of human trafficking and initiating joint
efforts to combat this grave issue.
According to Akuneme, the state of emergency declaration on
Passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of the NIS to resolving the
challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports.
He also said that it represents a call to action for all stakeholders
to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
“Ag. CGI Adepoju had earlier directed all Passport Control
Officers, relevant units and personnel within the NIS including our Missions
abroad, to work tirelessly towards eliminating all hindrances preventing
Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly,” the NIS spokesman stated.
Akuneme stated that the NIS is leveraging technology and
instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application
and issuance process.
He said that the Ag. CGI urges all Nigerians to remain
patient and cooperate with the NIS as it takes decisive steps to address the
Passport crisis.
“She assures the public that efforts are being made to
ensure that every eligible Nigerian who requires a Passport can obtain one in a
timely manner,” he added.