The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and its 20 partner organisations in New York have called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to address the passport production crisis in Nigeria’s missions in the U.S.

Nigeria has three missions in the United States. They are the consulates general of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta and the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC.

The embassy in Washington DC is the only passport production centre in the U.S. The consulates take biometrics in their missions to Washington, DC, for passport production.

Due to server hitches, the Nigerian embassy in Washington has not produced passports since November 13. 

In a notice from the consulate general of Nigeria, the mission stated that all passport services had been suspended.

It advised applicants to confirm if the situation had been normalised before reporting at the consulate for their biometrics. 

OAN and its partners, however, expressed deep concern over the regrettable breakdown of the Nigerian passport server in the United States.

“This avoidable technical failure has not only halted Nigerian passport production all over the United States but has also inflicted undue stress and frustration on numerous Nigerians,” said the association. “We acknowledge the significant inconvenience and distress this situation has caused our fellow countrymen and women.”

It also called on the government to invest in necessary technological infrastructure and support systems and ensure the security and seamless functioning of critical services for Nigerians abroad.

“The OAN as an organisation is dedicated to the well-being and advancement of Nigerians living in the United States. 

“We will continue to work diligently to provide support and updates as we collaborate with authorities to resolve the server breakdown and implement long-term solutions,” it stated.

(NAN)