Nigeria passport reform success sees over 3.5 million passports issued and ₦1 billion saved annually through digital upgrades and efficiency reforms
Nigeria passport reform success has become a headline achievement under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as over 3.5 million passports were issued in just two years.
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Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed this during the launch of a new Passport Front Office in Abuja.
The Minister stated that reforms began in August 2023, as part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The overhaul was designed to address inefficiency, high costs, and security lapses in passport processing.
“When we took office, we met over 200,000 unprocessed passport applications and a ₦20 billion debt. Today, we have cleared all of that,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He explained that 3,080,141 passports were issued locally and 466,117 issued abroad, bringing the total to 3,546,258. These figures reflect Nigeria’s new emphasis on efficient and secure documentation.
One of the most impactful changes was the automation of breeder document uploads. Previously, these uploads such as birth or marriage certificates were outsourced to contractors, costing the country about ₦1 billion every year. This function is now handled digitally by applicants.
“This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with the government now,” Tunji-Ojo revealed.
The reforms are not just saving money—they’re also improving Nigeria’s global standing. All new Nigerian passports are now harmonised, enhanced, and ICAO-compliant. Before now, different types of passports created inconsistency and credibility issues for travellers.
The number of locations issuing the enhanced e-passports has increased. There are now 44 centres within Nigeria and 47 in the diaspora. These changes allow faster processing and improved access for Nigerians around the world.
To further support production, a new passport personalisation centre equipped with cutting-edge technology will open in August 2025. The facility is being provided by Iris Smart Technologies at no cost to the federal treasury.
“The private sector is stepping up. Iris Smart Technologies is supporting us with advanced equipment to keep Nigeria at the forefront of global best practices,” the Minister said.
Nigeria is also now part of the ICAO Public Key Directory, a system that ensures global authentication of travel documents. This development boosts confidence in Nigerian passports across international borders.
A digital shift is also coming to work permits. As of 31 July 2025, all Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be applied for online. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
“We must have data, biometrics, and full documentation of every applicant. National security depends on it,” Tunji-Ojo declared.
He added that these efforts are proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to digital governance, transparency, and accountable service delivery. The use of digital platforms has drastically reduced wait times, manual errors, and security risks.
“We are building a system where Nigerians no longer have to beg or bribe to get their documents. It’s about dignity and service,” he added.
A senior official at the ministry, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Before now, delays were common. Now, things are changing fast. People apply and get results in record time.”
Nigerians at home and abroad have started to notice the difference. The reforms have led to praise for the Ministry of Interior’s efforts, as well as increased trust in government processes.
With over 50 passport production centres now operational, both locally and internationally, Nigeria is poised for even greater achievements in public sector innovation.
Also read: Automation Of Nigeria’s Passport 99% Completed– Minister
As the Minister said during the launch in Abuja, “This is not the end. We are just getting started.”
