Nigeria Immigration Service responds to Fisayo Soyombo passport delay criticism
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has responded after investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo publicly criticised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for delays in passport issuance despite promised reforms, saying the agency is aware of the complaints and is working to address them. Soyombo had taken to social media to highlight his experience of waiting more than six months for his renewed passport after paying the required fee, even though the Minister had previously said passports would be delivered within a short timeframe following recent changes to the process. His post triggered widespread discussion online from other frustrated applicants experiencing similar delays.
In reaction, the Immigration Service acknowledged Soyombo’s case and assured the public that the complaint is being examined, underscoring its commitment to improving service delivery and clearing the backlog affecting passport issuance across the country. The agency highlighted that efforts are underway to resolve operational challenges, including shortages of passport booklets and the high volume of renewal requests, which have contributed to prolonged waiting times for applicants. While the NIS did not detail the specific cause of the delay in Soyombo’s situation, it reiterated that ongoing reforms are aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in passport processing.
The response from the NIS also came alongside an update to the passport tracking system designed to give applicants clearer information about the status of their applications. The updated tracking includes a new status showing when a passport has been produced and is ready for collection or delivery, which the agency hopes will reduce uncertainty and improve visibility around processing timelines for applicants nationwide.
These developments follow broader reform efforts under the Ministry of Interior, which in recent years has pursued digitalisation and automation of passport services, increased production capacity, and other measures aimed at speeding up passport issuance and reducing backlogs. However, public frustration remains high, driven by reports of extended waits and difficulties with the online platform.
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