The Comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Ekiti State, Kayode Abdurasheed Ademola has assured Nigerians that fresh applicants for international passport would get it within six weeks after capturing while passport renewal takes three weeks .
The Comptroller made the clarification while playing host to members of Nigeria Union Of Journalists, Online chapel, Ekiti State on Tuesday at his office.
While reacting to precious time applicants waste in getting their passport either renewed or fresh, the comptroller said the system was seamless if applicants’ data are correctly imputed in line with National Identification Number ( NIN).
The Comptroller said applicants are attended to base on date of appointment. “Applicants do not need to flood the centre because they have been given time to visit the centre for whatever exercise they want to carry out”
He added that applicants could apply online and bring the completed application to immigration office for final process, saying applicants do not necessarily need to be at the office before they could apply for the services of immigration. Saying the exercise has been digitalized. He reteirated that passport issuance with correct data takes not later than three to six weeks for re-issuance and fresh application.
Talking further, Comptroller Kayode said the price for passport issuance and renewal are affordable.
Clarifying why some applications are delayed, the Public Relation Officer of Ekiti State Immigration, Daramola, said discrepancies on names and date of birth of applicants on their National Identification Number (NIN) was responsible for delay in processing international passport.
He enjoined prospective applicants to ensure their data tally with their NIN for easy and seamless processing. Stressing that passport can be applied for and gotten from any of the thirty six states of the federation.
Comptroller Kayode pointed out that applicants from other states do come to Ekiti State because of less traffic and timely attention.
Comptroller Kayode applauded the federal government for designing the scheme in such a way that it allows officials to upgrade themselves through regular training, retraining and engaging in refresher courses which he said had enhanced their operations.
Earlier, the chairman, Online Chapel, Comrade Ayodele Abere has sought to partner with the Commission for adequate reporting of immigration activities in Ekiti State. Stating that their activities are under covered compare to other agencies in the state.
While responding, the Comptroller applauded the importance of Media in the society, saying the Commission would partner with online journalists for accurate reportage of their activities.
He reiterated his commitment to avail Ekiti Journalists information that would put the Commission in the good perspective of the society.