NIS blames name discrepancies for delay in passport issuance
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has blamed discrepancies in National Identification Number (NIN) and the name filled in passport forms for delays in procuring the international travel documents beyond the recommended six weeks.
The comptroller of Immigration Service, Enugu Command, Azuka Halliday, disclosed this during the event marking NIS 60th anniversary celebrations in Enugu on Sunday.
She said that when the name on applicants’ NIN documents did not match the name on their passport forms, it delayed the delivery time of their passports beyond the recommended six weeks.
Ms Halliday, therefore, advised Nigerians to use the NIS online platform for passport applications to avoid complications, including delays that might arise from using a third-party platform.
She said if the applicants faced issues other than the NIN/passport form name discrepancy, her office would be more open to attending quickly.
On the National Migration Policy, Ms Halliday said Nigeria adopted it in 2015 to ensure that the country got optimum development from international migration.
She said Nigeria contributed a substantial percentage to global migration as a major country of origin, transit and destination in terms of global migration.
Okey Ezugwu, a retired NIS staff who delivered the anniversary lecture, described Nigeria’s immigration law as the most liberal in the world because of its friendly nature.
“If one runs foul of our laws, we do not really go for a kill as the person being punished may not understand why he is being punished.
“I am not saying that our immigration laws should be reviewed, but I am saying, from our background, that we are hospitable and we don’t ill-treat foreigners,” he said.
He called for a review of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) policy that allowed citizens of member countries freedom to enter any member state without Visas.
Mr Ezugwu, who retired as an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, said the freedom was being abused as many Nigerians did not see themselves as strangers in Nigeria.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Diaspora
God cleared me of corruption charges: Diezani
She said the ruling marked the end of 11 years of torment.
Abuja
Court remands corps member over alleged assault on neighbour
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
NationWide
Nigeria’s transport system requires urgent, predictive, integrated solutions: CILT
He said that lack of policy continuity would make Nigeria’s transport sector to be constrained.
States
ADSIEC presents certificates of return to newly elected council chairmen in Adamawa
The local government council elections were held on Saturday, June 13.
States
ADC governorship aspirant sues party over primary election result in Oyo
Mr Alagbe prayed the court to pronounce him as the authentic winner of the primary election.
States
NHRC, UNHCR seek improved community-based protection for displaced persons
Mr Bisu urged participants to become active human rights advocates within their communities by promptly reporting violations and protection risks.
