Mixed reactions trails Nigeria Immigration’s jump in daily passport production

 

By Shamsudeen Abubakar

The recent decision by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to boost its daily passport production capacity from about 300 to 5,000 following the launch of a new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja has ignited mixed reactions from Nigerians across the country.

During the announcement on 19 September, 2025, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the move as a “game-changer for passport processing in Nigeria.”

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According to him, the old decentralised system relied on outdated machines that could only produce between 250 and 300 passports daily, whereas the new Centralised system now enables NIS to process 4,500 to 5,000 passports each day within just four to five hours of operation.

The announcement has drawn a mix of praise, comments, criticisms, and testimonies from many Nigerians, ranging from business people, students, and other concerned citizens.

While some commended the initiative rapidity, others expressed disappointment in government for not doing the needful.

Abdurrahim Ibrahim, a 400-level student of Agriculture at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), praised the initiative, but recounted his ordeal.

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“It is a good initiative that needs to be well praised. I can recall when I got my passport two years ago, it took me two good months to get the passport. I spent ₦50,000 on my passport, and along with my transport fare, I spent about ₦56,000 because I had to travel to Kebbi from Sokoto to easily purchase the passport.” Abdurrahim recounted.

As a student, he explained that the delay in issuing his passport had prevented him from applying for an opportunity in his 300-level because his passport was not ready at that time.  He therefore considers the new policy a welcome development, especially for students.

“I missed a life-changer scholarship opportunity in my 300-level due to my passport being delayed,” he recalled.

He further appealed to the government to reduce the cost of obtaining the passport, noting that it is not only wealthy elites who are applying for the passport. Lowering the fee, he said, would make the process easier and more accessible for everyone.

Sa’adatu Abubakar, 28, a teacher from Kebbi state viewed the development as an opportunity for Nigerians to compete globally.

“The boasting of the daily passport will allow many people to apply for scholarships and travel at their free will. It is a good initiative that allow us to compete with other powerful countries. I just wish the government will bring more initiatives that will favour everyone.”

She call the Nigerian government to address the county’s deeper challenges. She stressed that Nigerians need more than just passports; If the country were properly balanced, people would have little reasons to leave. Therefore, she urged the government to confront the fundamental problems affecting the country to make things better.

Security Risks Emerge Amid Applause

Dayyabu Muhammad, a concerned citizen from Bunza, Kebbi State, expressed worry about potential security implications.

He noted that every new initiative comes with both positive and negative sides. While the increased rate of automation is an improvement, it could also be misused.

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According to him, “Bad leaders and bandits might exploit the system to oppress citizens,” he said, citing the recent arrest of bandits found with at least five passports each. He warned that others could use the new system for harmful purposes.

“The country is not safe anymore now, People will be committing crimes and fleeing the country as they like. Even at present, those studying or using their passports to travel for business are not as many as those using it for bad things.

“So government has brought a good initiative, but they should find ways to tackle the problems that might arise by closely monitoring those leaving the country. They should know where a traveller is going, what for, and why. This responsibility lies with the officials in charge.” He advised.

He further concluded that the solutions to those potential problems rest with the government. “If they want the country to be saved, it can be; and if they don’t want, then it can’t be saved,” he added.

Like Dayyabu, Jabir Sani, a businessman from Sokoto, stated that the upgrade in passport production is a significant improvement.

However, he warned that in a country like Nigeria, some individuals might exploit the system to commit crimes and easily flee the country. He sees the initiative as having both positive and negative aspects.

“The machine that used to process only 300 passports now handles about 5,000, is such a significant improvement. However, in a country like Nigeria, some people might exploit this opportunity to commit crimes and easily flee the country. Therefore, I would say this initiative has both advantages and also disadvantages.”

A New Era of Engagement: More Citizens Praise Initiative’s Impact

Safwan Abubakar from Niger State, welcomed the increase in passport production but noted the hidden costs involved.

“I just learnt about the centralising of the Passport. It is a good initiative, and I hope that it will help the citizens get their passports on time and also ease the workload of the immigration officials,” he noted.

He recalled receiving his passport the same day he applied, but he admitted that the cost was high. “I paid ₦45,000 even though the official fee at the time was ₦22,000.”

For Safwan, even if the passport fee were to increase, it would not be a problem as long as citizens can obtain their passports when needed.

“This initiative looks promising, and I hope it not only eases the immigration officers workload but also benefits the citizens,” he added.

Similarly, Mukhtar Shafiu, an Education Student at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, expresses his happiness at the groundbreaking initiative. He believes it will greatly benefit Nigerians.

“Nigerians will not waste much time in getting their passports. People will have relief knowing that their passports will be ready once they purchase them at any time,” he exclaimed.

He added that both students like him and business people travelling abroad will gain significant advantage.

“Students going to foreign countries to study will find passports easily accessible and stop missing opportunities.”

However, he noted that the poor often face disadvantages with Initiatives like this, as many are struggling to meet basic needs.

“Poor people are always disadvantaged when it comes to initiatives like this as they are struggling for what to eat,” he lamented, urging the government to ensure that such initiatives also reach the most vulnerable.