Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Monday said that it will suspend the processing of new international passports to enable it clear the backlogs of applicants, as directed by the Minister of Interior.
This takes effect from Monday 17.
Read Also: BREAKING: Buhari Seeks Senate Approval for Fresh N2.3trn External Loan
This was announced in a statement dated May 17 and signed by AB Yarima, Deputy Controller General.
The document reads, “This directive, which comes into effect from today, May 17, 2021, has become necessary to allow enough time to clear all the backlog of applicants sequel to the commencement of new passport regime on June 1 2021.”
The deputy controller general also urged all passport control offices to make use of the period to ensure it clear all outstanding passport processing.
He said, “Consequently, upon the forgoing, all PCOs are therefore directed to utilize this period, May 17, 2021, to May 31, 2021, to ensure that all backlogs are produced and handed over to command controllers for collection by members of the public concerned.”
The statement added that new applications for passports, “whether fresh or renewal are by this circular suspend till June 1, 2021.”